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. 

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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.