FREE NOW have launched a new ‘Medical’ book option, giving Ireland’s “healthcare heroes and support medical staff” 50 per cent off their taxi fares.
The new mechanism allows vital healthcare workers to select the new “Medical” fleet-type option on the app to book their taxi and to get 50 per cent off their fare.
These critical staff then just need to show their medical ID to drivers at the start of their trip, with FREE NOW taking no commission from drivers for these trips.
The new support will be available to all front-line medical practitioners, supporting healthcare workers as well as those working in primary care services, including porters, cleaners and hospital receptionists.
“The health and safety of passengers, driver partners and staff is our top priority and we are now looking at new ways to adapt the fleet of 14,000 taxis to meet the COVID-19 challenge across Ireland. This new initiative will support the movement of vital healthcare workers performing critical duties, as well as helping drivers to generate income in this incredibly challenging time,” Alan Fox, FREE NOW General Manager, Ireland, said.
“We are already working with the HSE as an approved transport supplier to aid its critical work and we are actively guiding drivers and partners on the transport-specific hygiene measures required in line with HSE, Department of Health and government guidance. It is a testament to FREE NOWdrivers that they are willing to step up, even when their earnings are taking a hit in these uncertain times to keep Ireland moving.”
“Taxi drivers are extremely glad to be able to play their part in the COVID-19 fight. Our services have been badly hit by the virus and our profession is particularly vulnerable, so this FREE NOW initiative is to be welcomed for multiple reasons,” Joe Herron, president of the Irish Taxi Drivers’ Federation, said.
“Taxi drivers have been deemed an essential service by the government, and this initiative will help vital healthcare workers to get to their critically important jobs as well as supporting struggling drivers in this, the most difficult of times.”
FREE NOW has recommended that drivers and passengers adhere to HSE, Department of Health and government guidance when travelling, with drivers advised to disinfect their cars regularly and to switch to card payment only.
The company has temporarily turned off its Match taxi-sharing service.
FREE NOW is offering a similar service in Spain, Poland, Romania and the UK and is looking at how this can be rolled out to the 10 countries it operates in across Europe.
The “Healthcare Heroes” booking option is available for all healthcare workers from today [April 3] and will run in the Free Now app for the foreseeable future.
