A crisis will bring out both the worst and the best in people and this story is about the latter.
Amid the coronavirus crisis that is sweeping the world right now, taxi drivers with a heart are offering free rides to the elderly and vulnerable people so that they can get to supermarkets with the new shopping rules.
The UK’s biggest stores have stated that on certain dates they will be dedicating the first opening hour exclusively for the elderly and the vulnerable. This is because this segment of society faces the most difficulties in keeping up with others when scrambling for essential supplies.
Cab firms around the nation have decided to pitch in to make sure these people can get the supplies they need.
For instance, Castle Cars in Tonbridge, Kent, provided free rides to Sainsbury’s stores between 7 am and 9 am.
Company owner Terry Hill said: “We’re pleased Sainsbury’s is offering a designated time for vulnerable shoppers.
“We wanted to offer our services so those who need to visit during this time don’t have to worry about taking their shopping on the bus.”
Hackney taxi drivers in Liverpool also used WhatsApp so that the vulnerable of Kirkby could make their way to the shops.
A 25-strong group of drivers took scores of grateful residents to local supermarkets in the morning.
Cabbie Paul Hill, 43, told the Liverpool Echo: “I put a post out on social media, mainly for family members and friends to begin with, and then it got a lot more interest and it took off from there.
“I’ve got a daughter who is 23 and is disabled, so I just wanted to do something and give back to the community.
“The next day we formed a WhatsApp group of about 25 local hackney drivers who came on board to help.
“The response was just immense, one Facebook group got in contact and said the post they shared had reached 85,000 people.”
Portsmouth-based 747 Airport Cars say business had been “drastically” impacted because of the travel ban.
“However, with no airports or ports to visit, we’re able to put our cars to good use,” business owners say.
Customers have been quick to praise the company.
One said: “It’s bad times for so many but you will always find knights in shining armor.
“This is a really amazing offer to our elderly.”
For Cornwall residents, Go2Cabs in Redruth is offering free pick-ups for those who need to get to their pharmacists.
I Taxi drivers in Exeter, Devon, have also offered free rides to anyone over 65 who need to get to a supermarket.
A company spokesman said: “We just want to help the elderly get through this. I feel sorry for them. A lot of people do not have family who can help them out.
“We should look after the elderly, they are the vulnerable pillars of our community and help them in this pandemic situation. We don’t want to lose anyone.”
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