Care workers in London will be able to travel to and from work in black cabs for free
as part of a new initiative set up called Transporting Care to help reduce the spread of
the COVID-19 infection.

The organisers believe the new scheme will minimise the risk of catching and
spreading COVID-19 to carers and residents within care homes. Transporting Care
have been recruiting a team of volunteer drivers to drive “COVID-19 ready” cars which
are sealed between the drivers and passengers, protecting occupants from contracting
or spreading the virus.

The scheme has been piloted in the London Borough of Lambeth and aims to expand
the service to other parts of London then nationally with the help of a crowdfunding
campaign.

Transporting Care’s Mark Sivarajah said: “Having witnessed first-hand the bravery of
overwhelmed care workers caring for a close relative during this crisis, we all believe
that every care home worker should have safe transport to and from work, for the
benefit of care workers as well as residents.”

“To date, cars have been sourced from Black Taxi Rentals Ltd., who have been
extremely helpful in getting this project off the ground. A fleet of Black Taxi Rentals
cars have also recently been supplied to the NHS also.”

“We offer the option of care homes managing the driving and rotas themselves or
having the management provided by Transporting Care.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO, Care England, said: “With the reduction in the
amount of public transport in London, transport is a big consideration for care
workers. Care England is delighted to support the innovative new concept created by
Transporting Care to help care staff. The adult social care workforce is our greatest
resource and needs to be treated accordingly.”

Janet DeHaney, Care Home Manager at Joybrook, London Borough of Lambeth,
said: “During the coronavirus crisis, Transporting Care have provided an invaluable
service in minimising the risks our brave staff take at this time, whilst also making
them feel very special.”

Transporting Care Team are calling on volunteers and donations to help fund their
campaign. They are currently searching for reliable and regular volunteers who they
will be able to fully insure.

“Initially we funded this ourselves, however, to enable the service to be more widely
available, we require funding. Every penny of our funding will go towards putting cars
on the road as all the other work involved is provided by volunteers. We source our
cars below cost from a very generous group of suppliers. Anything you can donate to
help will go towards the renting of our cars, fuel and insurance for our volunteer
drivers. It really is that simple.” added Mark Sivarajah.

Gofundme page : Transporting Care
Volunteers: [email protected]/Tel: 0203 538 8129