South Wales’ largest taxi firm, Dragon Taxis, has extended its offer of free rides taking the elderly and vulnerable patients to get their Covid vacinations.
The firm is working with participating GP practices in Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport and Torfaen to offer rides to eligible people who have been invited to make a vaccination appointment, providing they have no other means of transport.
Launched last year, the service is being extended to February 14h.
For ease, the telephone operators at the participating GP surgeries will co-ordinate the free journey with the Dragon Taxis dispatch centre using a dedicated web-based booking system.
The system is designed to ensure that only those eligible get access to the free rides.
Jack Price, regional director of Dragon Taxis, said: “In these first few weeks of the programme, we are helping to assist the first wave of people get their vaccinations. For those who don’t have another means of transport we want to help our local community beat Covid.
“Dragon Taxis has extended this offer until February 14th in line with the Welsh Government’s target of completing the first wave of vaccinations.
“We don’t want to bring any additional pressure on the NHS or GP practices and it’s vital that people do not call their GPs or NHS asking about free rides. Our offer is strictly on appointment only for those persons who are eligible.
“We’ve had tremendous interest across South Wales. We are also exploring the option of fixed rates and reduced fares for future waves of people who are invited for their vaccination."
Dragon Taxis has more than 1,200 driver partners.
Operating for 30 years it is owned by Veezu, the UK’s fastest growing taxi and private hire business, which is headquartered in Newport.
