Tenterfield Taxi is expanding its services to support those opting to stay close to home.
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The taxi is now offering an Uber-eats type operation with door-to-door delivery of takeaways from those eateries still operating. This also extends to purchases from the pharmacy or a few necessities from the supermarket or even just transferring items between family members and friends.
Bottleshop takeaways aren't included, however, due to licensing laws although Tenterfield Taxi can of course collect the passenger and transport them to the bottleshop and return, to make their own purchase.
Tenterfield Taxi's Nicole Haddock said It's time to think outside the box as many local businesses are, for strategies to survive the Coronavirus downturn. The company's two cars used to be busy particularly on Friday and Saturday nights with the local pubs and clubs and with Department of Veteran Affairs trips to Lismore, Toowoomba and Brisbane, but all that has come to a grinding halt as restrictions set in.
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Many of the eateries have also expanded their service with takeaway deliveries, but the taxi remains a backup option.
"Every business is trying to keep afloat," Mrs Haddock said.
"It's about businesses adapting to a new way of life.
"We should be shutting down but we can't afford to. We've been around for 30 years and want to continue to be for the next 30.
"It's just heartbreaking. We're struggling to keep our main driver on."
While the business hopes to organise an EFTPOS option, arrangements can be made for payment to be put out on the doorstep in exchange for the goods left there, so that the transaction is contactless. This will be a boon for the over-70s and immune-compromised who are now being urged to stay inside their homes.
For those who are still on the move (for essential trips), vehicle hygiene has being stepped up with a sanitation sweep before and after each hire. This includes disinfecting door handles, seats and seat belts.
Patrons are offered hand sanitiser before entering the vehicle. Those who refuse are denied service.
Fortunately the weather is milder as the airconditioning system is now not used from town trips.
Tenterfield Taxi can be contacted on 0428 669 449 to book a journey and home delivery.