High demand for NHS taxi offer
Last updated 31st Mar 2020
A scheme to provide free taxi rides for NHS staff in Glasgow during the Coronavirus crisis has been so popular that demand is outstripping the donations into the fund.
So far more than 150 Glasgow workers have benefitted from the Glasgow NHS Taxi Fund which was set up one week ago with more than 200 donations generating close on ÂŁ5000.
The organisers are telling Clyde 1 they're delighted it has helped so many people already but want to make sure it can enjoy longevity in the weeks and months ahead and continue to help NHS staff when it will be needed most.
"Our focus needs to be making sure this fund is accessible to those who need it most"
The organisers of the fund, working in partnership with Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “First and foremost we want to thank all 219 people who have donated so far - almost £5,000 is an incredible sum in just one week and your money has directly helped NHS staff.
“The weekend saw a huge peak in usage and we are pleased that the core message has spread and helped the fund help more people.
"However to make sure the fund can continue to be accessed by the people who really need it most we ask everyone to help make it clear that the fund is primarily intended for any NHS staff with no travel alternative, financially struggling and travelling to or from an NHS hospital directly involved in the fight against coronavirus.
“While we would love to make all travel free for all NHS staff that’s simply not possible so our focus needs to be making sure this fund is accessible to those who need it most. We want to make this fund last and that not only relies on more generous donations but also on the service being used by those who really need it.”
The fund is endorsed by Glasgow Taxis Ltd, who use donations to deliver all journeys at their highest discounted rate.
Many drivers had previously provided some journeys to NHS staff for no fee, ultimately incurring a loss due to petrol costs.
NHS Glasgow staff utilising the service are asked to use the code NHSTaxi when booking via 0141 429 7070 and to show their NHS ID to drivers at the start of each journey.
The service is not intended for repeat or block bookings to ensure it reaches and helps as many people as possible.
Donations can be made through a Go Fund Me page
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.