Like so many businesses, taxi and private hire companies have been suffering from the crippling effects of COVID-19 over the past year. One Northamptonshire private hire firm has put its free time to good use by enrolling their drivers on online First Aid courses and Passenger Assistant Training Schemes (PATS) to enable the business to offer a new Assisted Travel service. Simply Cabs, based in Wellingborough, will be working closely with the local authority, care homes, hospitals and charities to offer a door-to-door service to the elderly or anyone who may have mobility issues.
Trained drivers will safely assist passengers from their front door right to the waiting area of an appointment and even get them checked in. Once the appointment is over, they will collect passengers from the waiting area and take them home. If needed, they will also supply trained Passenger Assistants that can stay as travel companions throughout the day.
To increase the scope of support they can provide, Simply Cabs are planning further training for their drivers to become better equipped in topics including mental health awareness, autism, cancer support and dementia awareness.
Driver Sarah Mae, who has undergone training, said:
“Simply Cabs specialised in local authority work and airport transfers, both of which were heavily affected by COVID-19. We already carried out a lot of care work so it was a natural progression to take on the extra training to offer a complete door to door service for the elderly.
“As a driver there is no better feeling knowing you are helping people in the local community. It’s so rewarding for us drivers. Simply Cabs also undertake work for the Department of Work & Pensions Access to Work scheme which enables people to travel to work if they have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition.”
More information on Assisted Travel or Access to Work is available at www.simplycabs.com or call 01933 400400
