Page 34 - drive a2b may 2020

OVERSEAS
news

London

Councils
change

Taxicard

scheme

to help thousands
with disabilities
during COVID-19
lockdown

by Perry Richardson | taxi-point.co.uk
Taxicard member to: impairments are complying with
lockdown rules and unable to
• have drivers pick up and deliver
London Councils has announced essential supplies to them travel, we’ve introduced these
changes to the Taxicard scheme • have friends, family members, new flexibilities to help Taxicard
designed to help tens of thousands or carers travel on their behalf members keep making use of the
of Londoners with disabilities using their Taxicard for the scheme.”
during the ongoing coronavirus same purpose.
pandemic. “We hope these changes are useful
for Londoners with disabilities and
Boroughs have implemented
With more than 60,000 members, the changes so that members help make things easier for them at
Taxicard provides subsidised door- can use the Taxicard to secure this very difficult time.”
to-door journeys in licensed taxis supplies when they may otherwise
and private hire vehicles for London struggle to visit grocery shops or The changes have been welcomed
residents who have serious mobility pharmacies. by the Royal National Institute
or visual impairments. of Blind People (RNIB). Tricia
Smikle, RNIB Partnerships and
Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of
Managed by the cross-party London Councils, said: “Boroughs’ Development Manager for London,
umbrella group London Councils, top priority during the COVID-19 said: “RNIB has been getting a huge
the scheme is funded by London’s emergency is to support our number of calls from blind and
local authorities and Transport for vulnerable residents”. partially sighted people worried
London (TfL). about access to groceries, so we’re
Participating boroughs have agreed “At a time when Londoners delighted that the Taxicard scheme
has been extended”.
new flexibilities will allow any with serious mobility and visual
34 DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · May 2020