Taxi drivers on call in lockdown

Taxi drivers are urging passengers to respect social distancing as the mostly-older workforce continues their essential service during Coronavirus lockdown.

Drivers have reacted with surprise and concern after the New Zealand Taxi Federation advised taxis would keep operating.

Marlborough Taxis owner Jim Watson said only some of his staff would work over the four-week lockdown, because 16 of 20-driver team were aged over 50.

‘‘We weren’t thrilled about it ... Some of us thought we wouldn’t be working, but to be honest we didn’t really know. It’s happened real quick,’’ Watson said.

‘‘There’s quite a few drivers that aren’t going to work, for health reasons . . . we’re not going to force anyone to work.

‘‘But we will be reducing services anyway. People aren’t meant to be getting on the booze at parties and things like that, so we will be reducing our hours, there’s not much sense having drivers out all night.’’

New Zealand Taxi Federation executive director John Hart said the Government had confirmed taxis were an essential service.

‘‘The common sense things to do are have hand sanitiser and bacterial wipes, and disinfect surfaces through the day, such as door handles,’’ Hart said.

‘‘And if there’s only one passenger, certainly they should be in the back seat.’’

Watson said he had to visit several supermarkets to find the required cleaning products, after frantic shoppers stocked up ahead of lockdown.

The phone operator was working alone at the Marlborough Taxis office to ensure social distancing, Watson said.

Calls had already reduced a lot since the weekend, he said.

‘‘We only had two jobs from 10pm to 5am on Tuesday night.

‘‘It’s mainly been elderly ladies going to the supermarket . . . and a few people heading to the airport.’’

Watson urged passengers to follow the instructions of their driver, to protect their own health as well as the driver.

‘‘We’ve already had people refuse, they say they’re paying for the van and they’ll sit where they like. But if that’s their attitude, they can get out and walk,’’ Watson said.

‘‘We’re only opening for locals, who need essential travel. Anyone else can make alternative arrangements. That’s what we’ve been told, and that’s what we’ll be doing.’’