Taxis hailed

Drivers provided free rides for nurses, Francesco Loy Bell reports

With public transport services limited over lockdown, Britain’s licensed independent taxi operators were keen to “do their bit” to help key workers with their travel to and from work.

minicabit, the country’s largest minicab comparison website, partnered with leading City Livery charity, the Fishmongers’ Company Charitable Trust, to fund free trips for NHS staff to and from their hospitals across the UK, in both cities and towns of varying size.

To support the initiative, a GoFundMe fundraising campaign where the public could also donate was set up, quickly surpassing its initial fundraising target and raising over a quarter of a million pounds in donations.

Having piloted in London, over 2,000 NHS staff are now registered for the service, with cab trips taken every day across the country, from Bournemouth to Dundee and from Cambridge to Liverpool.

Amer Hasan, founder and CEO of minicabit explained: “This campaign has brought out the best in everyone. The public has been generous with their donations and our cab operators and drivers stepped up with a true Dunkirk spirit. Above all, it’s been heartening to hear from our NHS heroes how this has been a ‘godsend’ at this stressful time… their words!”

Racquel, an NHS key worker, was complimentary of the benefits the service had brought. “It is greatly appreciated,” she said. “The cab drivers were very professional and on time and they chose the best route, which made my journey very relaxing and enjoyable. 5 stars for the team - excellent service.”

NHS staff can register at minicabit.com/nhs