London’s minicab drivers have demanded that the city’s transport authorities (TfL) offer advice and assistance on how to protecting themselves from covid-19.
London’s iconic black cabs have screens to separate them from their passengers, which can reduce the chance of infection. But minicab drivers, who use regular cars, have no such defences. Earlier today their umbrella group, the United Private Hire Drivers Association, called on TfL to help.
“If we cannot mitigate the risk, if it’s not possible and the science doesn’t permit it, we need to be told that as well,” said spokesman James Farrar. More from the BBC here.
So far, six such drivers are thought to have died from the disease. The story of one – Bangalore-born Rajesh Jayaseelan – went viral earlier this week, after it emerged that the 44 year old’s landlord had evicted him even before his diagnosis, for fear he would bring the disease into the house.
London is not the only city whose cab drivers have been hit by the crisis. On Saturday, the New York Times reported that the city’s taxi drivers were struggling after ride numbers had dropped by nearly 91 per cent. More here.
