Page 33 - DRIVE A2B April 2020
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Perspex                                                  In the video, the driver later introduces

        screens                  Pakistani taxi                  himself and describes the sentiment
                                                                 behind the free-of-charge services.
        could                    drivers give                    “My name is Syed Sheraz and I am

        help stop                free rides to                   from Pakistan. There are hundreds of
                                                                 Pakistani drivers providing social services
        the virus                medical staff                   in Barcelona in this crisis. Whenever a
                                                                 calamity strikes, we are always ready to
        spread                   in Corona-hit                   provide our services to the host country."
                                 Spain                           “In 2017, there was a terrorist incident,

        Eric Hatton, a taxi driver                               even at that time Pakistanis provided
        in Ireland, believes that   by BR Web Desk               residents social services, by giving them
        the installation of perspex                              free rides," he said.
        windows installed in the   As deadly Coronavirus is spreading like   He said that as Spain became the third
        vehicles (similar to what is   a wild fire in Spain, Pakistani taxi drivers   hardest-hit country by COVID-19, Pakistani
        in the London Black Cabs)   in Barcelona are providing free rides   drivers working there decided to give free
        could reduce the risk of   to medical staff, who are fighting the   of cost service to medical staff.
        transference of COVID-19   COVID-19 on the frontlines.
        within taxis.                                            Furthermore, the doctor, who was shown
                                 Pakistani actress Nadia Jamil shared a
                                 video of an international publication on   in the cab, also introduced himself and
        Eric says he has stopped   Twitter, which showed Pakistani drivers   expressed gratitude towards the Pakistani
        people sitting in the front   playing their part in helping out the   cab drivers providing their services at this
        seat since the outbreak.                                 time. “Hopefully, we will come out of this
                                 medical staff.
                                                                 crisis together," he said.
        “I’ve asked them to sit in
        the back. But they are still
        only three feet away from
        you. It works both ways.                                 1300 133 353
        You could be passing stuff                               www.avagroup.net.au
        onto them,” he said.
                                                    TAXI CONVERSIONS
        "You're on your own in this
                                                        FROM $13,695.00
        job. You are a sole trader in                STARTING
        many ways. There is very
        little union backup. On a                                                   + OPTIONS
        day to day basis, you're
        alone putting up with this                          Lift Type Vertical Split Long Platform Internal Fully Automatic
                                                              2 x Sets Slide & click W-Chair & L/Sash Occupant Restraints
        and that,” he added.                               2 x Toyota Style Original Folding Seats c/w New Floor & Wall Brackets
                                                                Flush Floor & Polyflor Non Slip Floor Coverings
        “It’s a unique job in the                            Reverse Triple or 4 Seater, Crash Frame, Seat Belts & Head Rests
                                                               Large Metal Lockable Restraint Storage Box at Rear
        current climate. It’s one
                                                               3 x Child Restraint Anchor Points & Fixings
        of the few jobs you can’t
        socially distance from. You      49 Fennell St, Port Melbourne Vic 3207  |  1636 Sydney Rd, Campbellfield Vic 3061   1300 133 353
        just can’t do it,” he said.       23 Armada Place, Banyo QLD 4014  |  54 - 60  Industry Dve, Tweed Heads NSW 2486   www.avagroup.net.au

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