Carpooling app to help the vulnerable keep supplied

Following government advice to stay indoors, the car-pooling app Faxi will use its software to help vulnerable people to get the supplies that they need.

In an announcement made yesterday (March 24) the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said that people may only leave home to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where necessary, to shop for essential items, and to fulfil any medical or care needs.

Individuals with existing health conditions or individuals over the age of 70 are advised to be ‘particularly stringent.’

The Faxi app is mainly used by hospitals and local authorities to encourage carpooling, the app aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, consequently reducing pollution levels. 

However, following the outbreak of Covid-19, the app will now use its software to provide help to those in need. 

Community members who are willing and able to offer support will be able to go on the app and identify themselves as a ‘dedicated driver.’

Those who are in need of support can go onto the app and find a nearby driver, message them and arrange the help they need to ensure they can keep supplied. 

Tony Lynch, co-founder and CEO of Faxi said: ‘This is a case of technology for good, Faxi can be used to help identify those who are available to help others — and those who need help.

‘We will be working with our clients throughout the emergency period as we are conscious that many local authorities face a monumental task to provide support to the 1.5m vulnerable and we hope to be in a position to support this effort. 

‘The whole of Faxi is committed to helping in this effort if needed.’

In related news, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has urged policymakers to work with the vehicle rental sector in maintaining the essential movement of goods, people and services during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Photo Credit – Pixabay