Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Health
Kathleen Speirs

Kind Glasgow Taxi drivers launch fund for NHS staff to ride to work for free

Kind Scots taxi drivers are offering free rides to NHS workers on the front line of the the coronavirus outbreak.

Businessman Scott McMillan, 44, suggested creating a fund where the public could donate money to help cover the cost of taxi journeys for those working at the city's hospitals.

Glasgow Taxis Ltd have endorsed the project and an online fundraiser was launched on Sunday night.

Glasgow Taxis Ltd is endorsing a fundraiser to help NHS workers in the city (Glasgow Taxis)

Passengers 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.

It's hoped the money will help go towards the cost of running the taxi, while the fare would cost nothing for the NHS worker.

Its aim is to assist those in and around the city who would normally use public transport to get to work.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist is among those supporting the generous Go Fund Me page.

The former footie star has included a link to the fundraiser in his Instagram bio.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist is backing the Glasgow taxis fundraiser (Instagram)

On his Instagram story on Monday Ally, 57,  wrote: "Support our NHS heroes.

"I've just donated, if I can afford five punds or more, you can too.

"Every pound helps."

In less than 24 hours almost £700 has been raised.

Glasgow Taxis chairman Dougie McPherson said: "This is just the latest gesture which again shows that people really do make Glasgow. 

"We have been doing everything we can so far to support everyone in this situation, with drivers taking a hit to help but this fund will enable us to help more and for drivers to be able to do so without themselves losing money.

"We have applied the highest discount rate we can and thank everyone who has donated to the fund so far.

"This will make a difference - we thank all involved, especially our drivers who have been brilliant over the last week."

It's hoped that the system will soon be rolled out in Edinburgh.

Around £5 covers the cost of a short journey.

Visit the Go Fund Me page to donate.

So far 416 Scots have tested positive for coronavirus, it's claimed the lives of ten people in Scotland.

To keep up to date follow our coronavirus in Scotland live blog.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.