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A London taxi driver has stated it’s a “utterly completely different job” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Andy Biggs, 63, advised the PA information company his takings are round 20% of regular as demand “fell off a cliff” when England’s second nationwide lockdown was launched on November 5.
Hailing cabs from the facet of the highway has “evaporated”, he stated.
“Once we first went again after the preliminary lockdown, issues began to get somewhat bit higher, very slowly. However now it’s as lifeless because it’s ever been,” he added.
You’ll be able to go a complete day with solely three folks in your cab, for those who’re fortunate
Mr Biggs stated that in addition to creating monetary difficulties, the collapse in demand is a psychological battle.
“It is a very gregarious job, typically. I like speaking to folks, assembly folks, listening to folks’s tales.
“That’s form of gone now as a result of you may go a complete day with solely three folks in your cab, for those who’re fortunate. It’s a totally completely different job.”
Mr Biggs grew to become a cabbie 10 years in the past to permit him to work versatile hours, following a crusing profession as a industrial skipper.
He believes he’s “too previous” to cease.
“I don’t wish to do the rest. I’ll simply handle, and hope for higher occasions.
“If I used to be 20 years youthful I would think about doing one thing else.”
I’ve by no means seen London prefer it. In 33 years I’ve by no means seen it as quiet, as desolate and miserable
He added that being a taxi driver has all the time relied on luck, however now “you actually need the cab gods shining down on you”.
Howard Taylor, who has been a cab driver within the capital for greater than three many years, stated he goes to work with “no expectation in any respect” of being hailed for a journey.
“I’ve by no means seen London prefer it. In 33 years I’ve by no means seen it as quiet, as desolate and miserable.”
Mr Taylor, 60, stated he had three prospects in 5 hours on Tuesday. That earned him a complete of £30, however his prices imply he made a loss on the day.
“I attempt to be optimistic and assume, for those who don’t exit to work you’re by no means going to take any cash.
“To win the lottery you’ve acquired to purchase a ticket.”
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