The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) on Wednesday unveiled a two-year taxi service partnership with a private taxi firm designed to address night-time transport safety for its members.
The service was started in response to growing concerns about visibility and driving difficulties after dark.
In a move directly targeting what BARP President Marilyn Rice-Bowen describes as a critical issue of “night blindness” caused by increasingly bright LED headlights, the association has collaborated with Lyndhurst Taxi Services to provide a dedicated shuttle service operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“Bright lights from oncoming traffic have proven extremely challenging for some of our members,” she told media. “In many cases, you can experience night blindness. As a result of that, our members are getting involved in [fewer] night activities because of the night blindness. BARP thought that we should offer a solution to our members – thus the BARP-certified taxi.”
Members will receive a 10 per cent fare discount, valid for the duration of their active membership. While the association recommends booking rides at least two days in advance, last-minute requests will be accommodated when possible.
Lyndhurst’s Operations Manager, Bonita Springer confirmed the company’s commitment to the initiative.
“It’s a very good idea because yes, even me who is younger, [have] problems sometimes driving at night, so we do understand the situation that the BARP members are in. So we readily agreed to help Ms Bowen in this initiative. [BARP members] of course would have to produce their BARP cards to our drivers to make sure that we know,” she said.
Springer also emphasised the company’s rigorous driver screening process, assuring passengers of comprehensive safety protocols.
(SB)
