Importance of Vehicle Protection Screens as PPE for Taxi Companies in Australia

COVID-19 has impacted all spheres of society, severely affecting all industries globally and the transportation industry is no exception. Strict lockdowns, restricted travel has led the taxi, hire car and rideshare industry to suffer significant loss in business. With the increased concern around health and safety, drivers across the rideshare, healthcare and taxi industry were hesitant to drive patients and passengers, resulting in reduced capacity and impacting the services. Similarly, passengers also needed to feel safe while travelling in Uber, Ola or any other cab services.

Australian businesses are slowly returning to normality and people have begun to commute. Since the pandemic kicked up, though most people have started commuting in their own vehicle, a segment of the population still rely upon cab and rideshare services. With the lingering threat during the Coronavirus crisis, it’s imperative for both drivers and passengers to adapt new protective measures for a safer journey – hence the need for PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

PPE is available in many forms, and the first thing that comes to mind are face masks when you think of PPE. However, there is one form of PPE that is crucial in commercial vehicles, starting from big fleets to independent drivers, transporting passengers is a vehicle partition screen, also known as driver protection screens.

What is a vehicle partition screen?

Trusted by thousands of drivers worldwide, 98% of customers using the vehicle partition screen recommend it to others. The partition screen is designed and manufactured to create a safer and effective barrier between the driver and the passenger, improving privacy for passengers without isolating them from each other. It is a transparent sheet of plastic installed in vehicles behind the driver’s seat, allowing for a measure of security, communication, and an interpersonal connection. Henceforth, ensuring the safety and comfort for both the driver and passenger by creating a more hygienic environment.

Why the need?

With these vehicle protection screens, the taxi, private hire companies and rideshare services can continue to provide a safer way to take their passengers from A to B, getting drivers back on the road quicker and more safely. The vehicle PPE helps the providers create safer journeys, ensuring they comply with social distancing guidelines, putting passengers at the heart of every journey.

Car rental services continue to pick up and drop off customers more safely, providing their concierge service, also promoting a more customer-centric approach to their customers. These drivers work in a more hygienic environment by screening off drivers and passengers from each other, reducing the chances of transmitting viruses and bacteria via close or direct contact. These protective screens along with face coverings make certain of the safety for both drivers and passengers by minimising direct contact and reducing the risk of transmission.

Each individual has a specific role to play to help stop the spread and ultimate well-being of each other. This is especially true when it comes to essential services like the taxi and transport industry. Drivers not only have a right to feel safe and be protected from any harm while working, but they also have to work responsibly to ensure the hygiene of their vehicle. Today, protective screens as PPE is not only essential for public safety and health but an investment for a more hygienic and safer transport solution to mitigate risks in the future.

*Will Cattrall, Business Development Manager at Taxi Butler and Driver Bubble