For the first time in Kochi, a cab service solely dedicated to senior citizen has been launched. An NGO called Magics has come up with the initiative that aims to provide hassle-free travelling experience to the elderly people.
Launched on a pilot basis a couple of years ago, the project will now be fully operational. The cabs will have “Senior Taxi” tagged on the vehicle and will only be driven by people with special training to deal with senior citizens.
“This is a part of our mental health enhancement initiative for elderly people. Moving around is one of the most important things to keep them mentally fit,” Boniface Jasper, secretary of Magics NGO, told Indiatimes.
Jasper also explained that it will be more like a friend, or a relative taking them around. And these drivers and vehicles (cars and buses) are chosen only on voluntary basis.
Once the drivers are selected, they will provide special training by experts in various fields so that they can take care of the passengers. Training session includes basic psychology lesions, life support lessons, and first aid.
“The elderly citizens can call the drivers when in need. The drivers are selected on the basis of their good track record and willingness to be part of the scheme,” Jasper told to TNM
There are around 150 cabs for seniors in Kochi’s Paravoor and Maradu. But now the NGO is planning to expand.
