PVC 'automotive PPE' could be attractive to drivers “Visually impaired people are not currently included in the list of those able to access priority online shopping slots, but many will be finding it difficult to buy essential items without guidance in shops due to social distancing guidelines. Initiatives such as Taxicard are vital to ensure that everyone in society is able to get the items they need.” James Mead, TfL’s General Manager for On Demand Transport, said: “It’s at times like these we need to adapt services to ensure they meet the current needs of the members who use them. “We fully support these changes to the Taxicard scheme, which will ensure that some of the most vulnerable Londoners can continue to get food and medical supplies, while continuing to shield themselves safely at home in line with current Government guidelines”. “Other TfL services continue to provide essential journeys for vital workers in the NHS and other critical services. To everyone else, our message is: stay home, don’t travel, save lives.” The changes to the Taxicard scheme are temporary, but will remain in place for the foreseeable future while COVID-19 lockdown measures are required.
by Sven Gustafson
Just about the entire world is wrestling, while under quarantine, with questions about how to re-start their lives and livelihoods while safeguarding themselves from being infected with the novel coronavirus. In New Zealand, one company has come up with a solution that could be useful for those who make their living driving with others in tow. Auckland-based RVE, an automotive leather upholsterer and exterior customizer, has created what it calls “automotive PPE” designed for business, fleet and emergency service vehicles. One product is a simple vinyl slip-on seat cover, while the most novel is a “driver bubble” — a transparent, easy-to-clean PVC enclosure to surround the driver without having to construct a separate compartment. Jim Stanners, the company’s business development director, told Kiwi site Driven the project started out of concern about RVE’s own employees but quickly spread to a realization that it was an untapped market. “Driver and passenger are protected, but they don’t have to wear masks and they can still talk and see each other through the screen,” Stanners said. RVE’s driver bubble attaches to the seat head-restraint so as to not interfere with airbag functions. It also features a quick release fastener to allow the driver to exit the car quickly in an emergency. The company created prototype versions using a Ford Ranger and Hyundai iLoad van, but it says it has several versions for SUVs and vans and can design custom-size versions.
DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · May 2020
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