New on-demand subsidized taxi service trialed for key workers in Devon County, England

An on-demand subsidized taxi service is being trialed by Devon County Council to help key workers travel to and from work. The impact of COVID-19 has seen bus companies report up to a 90% reduction in passenger numbers, leading to a drastic reduction in services with many companies only maintaining critical routes. In order to replace those journeys previously made by bus, the County Council is introducing a “Key Cars” initiative which provides key workers with lifts to work for a subsidized flat fare. This pilot taxi service is intended to replace journeys that were being made by bus services which have been put on hold during the current pandemic. Workers have been asked to email Devon City Council who will make arrangements with any available taxi company. Cars have to be booked 48 hours in advance. But, if regular travel is needed, the individual will only need to contact the Council once. The service is intended to complement existing bus services which are still running.