Taxi firms will receive grants of £10,000 if the SNP is re-elected next month.
Drivers will also be able to pocket a second £1500 payment in special covid assistance.
SNP candidate and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “The last year has been extremely tough for taxi drivers and their families. They’ve truly gone the extra mile to provide a vital service for key workers and vulnerable individuals throughout the lockdown and beyond.”
Scotland has around 37,000 taxi drivers and private licenses, but earnings plummeted during the pandemic.
A demo was staged last year to protest about a lack of financial support and SNP Ministers announced a £1,500 grant for drivers to assist with fixed costs.
Critics such as the Unite trade union called for support to be increased and campaigned for £10,000 grants for each operator.
Nicola Sturgeon’s party will today publish a document outlining initial priorities for a re-elected SNP Government and the taxi trade will be one of the beneficiaries.
Forbes told the Record: “In the first 100 days of the new Parliament, a re-elected SNP government will provide a second payment of £1,500 for each taxi driver who previously received a Covid grant.
"We will also support taxi operator firms through these difficult times with grants of up to £10,000.”
Scottish Labour Economy spokesperson Monica Lennon said: “I welcome the fact that Scottish Ministers have finally caught up to the urgent need to support the taxi trade.
“Scottish Labour has supported the taxi trade throughout the pandemic while SNP ministers shamefully ignored operators and drivers.
“The fact that the SNP government has committed, on the eve of an election, to do something that they have had the powers to do for months will be a bitter pill to swallow for many in the forgotten taxi trade.
“Delaying this support has caused severe psychological and financial distress to taxi operators and drivers. They shouldn’t have to wait until after the election for peace of mind– if the SNP really cares they’ll release this cash immediately.”
Ahead of the launch of the 100 days plan, Sturgeon said:
“It will show the immediate action we will take to protect our NHS, boost our economy, create jobs and to help Scotland’s children and young people.
“While other parties in this election have failed to put forward a serious plan for Scotland’s future, the SNP is ready to get to work.
“Our immediate priority should we be re-elected will be to steer Scotland through the Covid crisis and get the recovery underway.
“Polls are showing that the outcome of this election is on a knife-edge, and by giving both votes to the SNP next Thursday, people can elect a government which has the experience and the leadership to lead Scotland through this crucial period and into a sustainable future.”
