Black taxi service resumes in West Belfast with multiple new safety features

Black taxis in West Belfast have resumed service today with several new safety measures in place.

The cab service, which offers shared taxi routes covering both the west and north of the city, has been fitted with multiple perspex screens and curtains in an effort to protect both drivers and passengers.

The safety features don’t stop there though. The number of passengers able to ride in the taxi has been stripped back to four from the usual six passengers prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sanitisers are also offered and displayed to passengers along with guidance informing riders to wear face coverings throughout the journey.

Payment for the service can now be made via a new payment hatch system when first entering the taxi.

The taxi firm will be offering a phased return starting today between 7am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 12-7pm on Sunday.

The first routes to run in West Belfast include: Whiterock/Sliabh Dubh, Whiterock/Turf Lodge, Glen Road, Andersonstown, Poleglass, Twinbrook and Lagmore.

In North Belfast the route includes: New Lodge, Cliftonville, Oldpark and Ardoyne.

Image credits: West and North Belfast Black Taxis (Twitter)