UK Taxis & Ride-Hailing During Lockdown: Your Guide

The unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic have fundamentally reshaped daily life across the United Kingdom. With strict government guidelines encouraging everyone to stay home and restrict non-essential movement, many Britons have found themselves questioning the availability and rules surrounding public transport, including the ubiquitous taxi service and popular ride-hailing applications. While public transport networks have seen significant reductions and private car use is limited, the question of whether you can still get a cab when leaving your house is a crucial one for those with essential needs.

Amidst the widespread restrictions, it's vital to understand the nuanced position of taxi services and ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Ola. The good news for those who rely on these services is that they are, for the most part, still operating. However, their operation comes with significant caveats, primarily concerning the reasons for travel and the stringent safety measures that both passengers and drivers must adhere to. This article will delve into the specifics, offering clarity on when and how you can utilise these services safely and responsibly during the lockdown.

Are Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles Still Operating?

Yes, traditional taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are indeed allowed to continue operating during the UK's coronavirus lockdown. This is a critical point, as the government has classified businesses providing road passenger transport as essential or critical services in the fight against the virus. This classification acknowledges that a segment of the population still requires transport for vital purposes that cannot be fulfilled by other means, or for individuals who do not have access to private vehicles. Therefore, taxi and PHV drivers are permitted to work, ensuring that essential journeys can still be undertaken by the public.

However, the crucial distinction lies not in whether taxis are operating, but for what reasons you are permitted to use them. The government's overarching message remains clear: stay home unless absolutely necessary. Consequently, your ability to catch a cab is strictly limited to a defined set of essential reasons, designed to minimise social contact and slow the spread of the virus. It is imperative that both passengers and drivers understand and adhere to these guidelines to protect public health.

Essential Reasons for Using a Taxi During Lockdown

The government has outlined four specific, essential reasons for which individuals are permitted to leave their homes, and by extension, use a taxi or ride-hailing service. Adhering to these guidelines is not just a recommendation but a legal requirement aimed at safeguarding the health of the nation. These reasons are:

1. Travelling to and from Work: If your job is considered essential, and you are unable to work from home, using a taxi for your commute is permissible. This covers key workers in healthcare, emergency services, food supply, and other critical sectors who cannot perform their duties remotely.
2. Shopping for Basic Necessities: This includes purchasing food, medicine, and other essential household items. The guidance stresses that this should be done as infrequently as possible, ideally once a week or less, to minimise exposure. Taxis can be used if walking or cycling is not feasible, or if you are transporting a large amount of groceries.
3. Taking One Form of Exercise a Day: While many prefer to walk or cycle for their daily exercise, if you need to travel a short distance to access an appropriate open space for your exercise (e.g., a park), a taxi might be used. This exercise should be undertaken alone or with members of your household.
4. Going to a Medical Appointment or Providing Care to a Vulnerable Person: This is a vital category covering essential health-related travel, including doctor's appointments, hospital visits, collecting prescriptions, or providing necessary care for a vulnerable friend, family member, or neighbour who relies on your support.

It is worth noting that the rules restricting gatherings of more than two people from different households do not apply to passengers within a vehicle. However, common sense and safety measures, such as sitting in the back seat, should always prevail to maintain distance between yourself and the driver.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber, Bolt, and Ola Policies

Major ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Ola have largely continued their operations during the lockdown, recognising their role in facilitating essential travel. However, they have all implemented their own policies and warnings to align with government advice and prioritise safety:

Uber

• Warning Messages: When attempting to book a ride, the Uber app typically displays a prominent warning message advising passengers to exercise caution and only travel when absolutely necessary. It reiterates public health advice, such as staying home if sick and practising good hygiene.
• Suspension of 'Pool' Service: A significant change was the suspension of Uber's 'Pool' service in mid-March. This service, which allowed multiple passengers to share a ride and split the fare, was halted to help prevent the spread of the virus by minimising contact between non-household members.
• Driver Account Suspensions: Uber has confirmed that it will temporarily suspend the accounts of drivers who have tested positive for coronavirus or have been exposed to the virus, demonstrating a commitment to protecting both passengers and other drivers.

Bolt

• Essential Travel Only: Similar to Uber, Bolt is operating primarily for essential travel. They actively encourage customers to only book trips when absolutely necessary and in line with government guidelines.
• Monitoring and Action: Bolt states it is closely monitoring feedback from both drivers and passengers regarding potential coronavirus symptoms reported during trips. They are in conversation with public health authorities and are prepared to temporarily suspend the accounts of any drivers or riders suspected of posing a health risk.

Ola

• Advisory for Essential Trips: Ola also advises its customers to book cars only for essential trips. They encourage passengers to travel solo if possible to further reduce potential transmission risks.
• Contact Tracing Initiatives: Ola has indicated that they are working with health authorities on contact tracing. This means that if a driver or rider has tested positive for COVID-19, they aim to notify others who may have been in contact with them through the platform, helping to contain the spread.
• Hygiene Protocols for Drivers: Ola is actively instructing its drivers to maintain high standards of vehicle cleanliness and to rigorously follow government hygiene protocols, including regular sanitisation of touchpoints within the vehicle.

It is always advisable to check the latest in-app messages or company websites for the most up-to-date policies, as these can evolve rapidly in response to changing circumstances and government guidance.

Protecting Yourself and Others During a Taxi Journey

Given that any journey outside your home carries a degree of risk, it is paramount that both passengers and drivers adopt stringent safety measures to minimise the potential for virus transmission. If you must take a cab or ride-hail car, follow these crucial guidelines:

• Sit in the Back Seat: Always choose to sit in the rear of the vehicle, ideally diagonally opposite the driver. This maximises the physical distance between you and the driver, reducing the risk of airborne transmission.
• Hand Hygiene is Paramount: Before and immediately after your journey, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. As soon as you arrive home, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands throughout the trip.
• Respiratory Etiquette: If you need to cough or sneeze, always do so into a tissue, then dispose of the tissue immediately and safely. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Opt for Contactless Payments: Whenever possible, choose contactless payment methods (e.g., card, mobile payment) over cash. This reduces the need for physical contact during the transaction.
• Handle Your Own Luggage: Try to manage your own luggage and belongings without assistance from the driver. This further reduces points of contact and potential transmission.
• Ventilation: If comfortable and safe to do so, consider opening a window slightly to improve air circulation within the vehicle.

Crucially, if you are experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus – a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – you must NOT take a cab or book a ride-hail trip. You should self-isolate immediately and follow government guidance on testing and managing symptoms. Using public transport or taxis when symptomatic puts drivers and other passengers at severe risk.

Comparative Table: Pre-Lockdown vs. During Lockdown Taxi Use

To further illustrate the shift in taxi usage, here's a quick comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get a taxi to visit friends or family in another household?

A: No. Travel for social visits is not considered an essential reason under the current government guidelines. You should only leave your home for the four essential reasons listed previously.

Q: What if my taxi driver appears unwell or isn't following hygiene rules?

A: If you have concerns about a driver's health or adherence to safety protocols, you should report it to the taxi company or ride-hailing app directly. Most platforms have mechanisms for reporting such issues. If you feel unsafe, you have the right to decline the journey.

Q: Are taxi fares higher during the lockdown?

A: There is no universal rule stating that fares will be higher. Fares are typically regulated by local councils for traditional taxis or set by the ride-hailing apps. However, due to reduced demand and increased operational costs (e.g., for cleaning supplies), some drivers might find it harder to earn a living, but this doesn't automatically translate to higher fares for passengers. Always check the estimated fare on your app before booking if using a ride-hailing service.

Q: Can I share a taxi with someone from outside my household if we're both doing essential travel?

A: While the rules on gatherings don't apply within a vehicle, ride-sharing services like Uber Pool have been suspended precisely to prevent such scenarios. It is highly advisable to travel solo if possible, or only with members of your own household, to minimise potential transmission risks. If you must share, ensure maximum social distancing within the vehicle.

Q: How do I know if my journey is truly 'essential'?

A: Refer back to the four government-outlined reasons: work (if unable to work from home), basic necessities shopping (infrequently), one form of exercise a day (alone/household), or medical appointments/providing care to a vulnerable person. If your journey does not fit into one of these categories, it is not considered essential, and you should not be taking a taxi.

The Broader Impact and Driver Safety

While this article focuses on passenger guidelines, it's important to acknowledge the immense challenges faced by taxi and private hire drivers. They are on the frontline, providing a critical service, but also facing increased health risks and often significantly reduced earnings due to lower demand. Many drivers have invested in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and even screens to separate the driver compartment from the passenger area, going above and beyond to ensure safety. Their continued operation is a testament to their dedication in supporting essential services and individuals who genuinely need to travel.

The pandemic has reshaped nearly every aspect of our lives, and how we use transport is no exception. While taxis and ride-hailing apps remain available, their use is now governed by a strict set of rules designed to protect public health. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, both passengers and drivers can contribute to a safer environment, ensuring that essential journeys can still be made responsibly during these challenging times. Remember, the primary advice remains: Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives. Only when absolutely necessary should you consider making an essential journey via taxi or ride-hailing service, always prioritising safety and compliance with the rules.

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