Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo. Wanderley Massafelli/Rollingnews.ie
Taxi

Free Now offers healthcare workers and other medical staff 50% off taxi fares

A new mechanism will be available on their app to select the “medical” option to avail of the half price fare.

HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND other medical staff will be able to avail of 50% off taxi fares when using the Free Now app, the company said today.

The new mechanism within the app will enable users to select the “Medical” fleet-type option when they book their taxi. 

These staff will need to show their medical ID to drivers at the start of their trip, and Free Now will take no commission from drivers for these trips. 

Free Now said this initiative would aid the “healthcare heroes” fighting the coronavirus outbreak in Ireland. 

The new support will be available from mid-morning today to all front-line medical practitioners, including healthcare workers as well as those working in primary care services, including porters, cleaners and hospital receptionists.

In a separate survey commissioned by Free Now, it said its drivers have been taking precautions to ensure their cars are kept clean including door handles and seats being wiped down following each journey. 

The survey also said 87% of its drivers wanted to directly support healthcare staff in their work during this crisis.

Joe Herron, president of the Irish Taxi Drivers’ Federation said: “Our services have been badly hit by the virus and our profession is particularly vulnerable, so this Free Now initiative is to be welcomed for multiple reasons.

Taxi drivers have been deemed an essential service by the government, and this initiative will help vital healthcare workers to get to their critically important jobs as well as supporting struggling drivers in this, the most difficult of times.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
42
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel