Unite which represents tens of thousands of transport workers, is
calling on the government to take dramatic action to help the
elderly visit shops and key workers get to work while the
coronavirus crisis continues.
Unite, the UK and Ireland's largest union, is entering in
discussions with the government about having the rules on when
over 60s can utilise free bus travel to be relaxed, some areas
such as Greater Manchester have already announced this.
Many supermarkets are introducing a system where the elderly can
shop first but if they are unable to use public transport to get
to the shops then such a system only benefits those with access
to a car.
Unite is also calling for the government to hire taxis (hackney
carriages) to transport key workers, vulnerable people and
medical supplies.
Hackney carriages, which have seen a dramatic fall in trade since
the crisis began, are very hygienic as passengers are sealed away
from the driver due to a glass partition. They are regularly
disinfected and such cleaning measures can be further increased.
Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton said:
“The government needs to relax the rules on free bus travel
during the coronavirus, so that older people can travel when they
need to.
“If the rules on free bus travel are not relaxed then only older
people with access to a car will be able to take advantage of
special supermarket opening hours.
“Hackney carriage drivers have seen a huge drop in work due to
the coronavirus but they can provide the most efficient and
cleanest travel.
“The government should be hiring these taxis to get key workers
to work and to transport medical supplies.
“Not only will the workers who are keeping the country going
during the ongoing crisis have a safe and clean way to travel to
and from work but taxi drivers who are self-employed who have
seen earnings collapse, will continue to be paid, while
benefitting society.”
