Page 26 - drive a2b july 2020 web

On the road

again

Many of Canberra’s friendly taxi operators are

back in business and ready to go from A to B.

Navdeep Singh, Director of Malwa handles and surfaces frequently, as for taxi drivers and the broader
Group has worked in the Canberra taxi well as sanitising seats after every community, Navdeep is grateful
industry for more than a decade. use.” for the spirit with which everyone
is embracing the uncertainty and
“I love so much about Canberra, my “I have asked my drivers to request change.
favourite things are its modern design all customers use hand sanitiser
and that it is a family-oriented city,” before they enter the car, to sit in the “I want to acknowledge all the drivers
he said. back seat, and also pay with debit or who are providing a 24 hour essential
credit cards where possible to avoid public transport service during the
Like many local industries, Navdeep’s handling cash.” pandemic. I hope Canberrans feel
taxi business was impacted by confident about using taxi services
COVID-19. “Most Canberrans are really when they need to. We are doing
appreciative of the care we are taking everything we can to ensure you and
“At first l was depressed and wondered and have responded well to these
how I would survive as my family, changes.” our drivers are safe, and we need your
workshop and drivers all rely on my support as local small businesses.”
business.” “Drivers are also using hand sanitiser To find out more about what supports
regularly, have tissues for themselves are in place for local businesses during
But with support from his family, or customers if they need them, and
friends and the ACT Government, take time off if they are feeling unwell.” COVID-19 visit www.COVID19@act.
Navdeep is now optimistic that things gov.au
are looking up. Reflecting on this challenging time
“The Government helped the taxi
industry a lot with the one off $5000
payment, allowing us to re-establish
our cars without a roadworthy check if
they had passed an inspection in the
previous nine months. I’m able to stay
in business because of this support.
I am even starting to relax and enjoy
some time with my family again.”

Navdeep says that taxi drivers are
doing everything they can to support
the safety of their customers.
“My first priority is to keep my taxis
hygienic and clean by wiping door
26 DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · July 2020