To help disabled or visually impaired people get through the coronavirus emergency, they will be able to use the London Taxicard scheme to have essential shopping or medication collected on their behalf.
The London Taxicard scheme provides subsidised door-to-door journeys in licensed taxis, black cabs and other private hire vehicles for residents who have serious mobility or visual impairments. It is managed by London Councils, which represents the capital’s 32 borough councils and the City of London. It is jointly funded locally by Ealing Council and Transport for London.
Now, until 30 August 2020, the rules around use of the Taxicard are being relaxed to help vulnerable members. It will allow:
- Taxi drivers to collect essential items for them
- Family, friends or carers to use a taxi or private hire vehicle to do essential shopping or collect medication on behalf of a member.
Usually members must travel in the vehicle when taking a trip, but these changes take into account the restrictions caused by national social distancing rules, and especially the fact some people are self-isolating or being socially shielded. It gives members another means by which to receive essential groceries and medicines.
Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “At a time when Londoners with serious mobility and visual impairments are complying with lockdown rules and unable to travel, these new flexibilities will help Taxicard members to keep making use of the scheme.
“We hope these changes are useful for residents with disabilities and can help make things easier for them at this very difficult time.”
Around 2,000 residents in Ealing use the Taxicard service and 60,000 across London.
To make a booking call CityFleet on 020 7763 5001 or use the CityFleet Taxicard app.
If you know a member a relative, friend or neighbour who might benefit from this service you can direct them to find out more or to apply: Click here for more information about the London Taxicard scheme
