London Councils Change Taxicard scheme

OVERSEAS news

London Councils change Taxicard scheme to help thousands with disabilities during COVID-19 lockdown

by Perry Richardson | taxi-point.co.uk

London Councils has announced changes to the Taxicard scheme designed to help tens of thousands of Londoners with disabilities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

With more than 60,000 members, Taxicard provides subsidised doorto-door journeys in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles for London residents who have serious mobility or visual impairments.

Managed by the cross-party umbrella group London Councils, the scheme is funded by London’s local authorities and Transport for London (TfL).

Taxicard member to:

have drivers pick up and deliver essential supplies to them have friends, family members, or carers travel on their behalf using their Taxicard for the same purpose.

Boroughs have implemented the changes so that members can use the Taxicard to secure supplies when they may otherwise struggle to visit grocery shops or pharmacies.

Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils, said: “Boroughs’ top priority during the COVID-19 emergency is to support our vulnerable residents”.

“At a time when Londoners with serious mobility and visual impairments are complying with lockdown rules and unable to travel, we’ve introduced these new flexibilities to help Taxicard members keep making use of the scheme.”

“We hope these changes are useful for Londoners with disabilities and help make things easier for them at this very difficult time.”

The changes have been welcomed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Tricia Smikle, RNIB Partnerships and Development Manager for London, said: “RNIB has been getting a huge number of calls from blind and partially sighted people worried about access to groceries, so we’re delighted that the Taxicard scheme has been extended”.