Member Article

On-demand care platform Cera to offer free cab trips to get the elderly to polling stations

London-based social care startup Cera has announced it will offer free rides for the elderly and those receiving social care to help them get out and vote as part of its agreement with black cab app Gett.

The startup has said that between 7am and 10pm those over 65 years of age or those receiving care will be able to book a free Gett cab to ferry them to and from polling stations, accompanied by carers where necessary.

Patients or their carers or family members will be able to either book the cab themselves by calling up Cera or through the platform’s online instant chat service.

Dr Ben Maruthappu, Co founder and President of Cera, said: “Cera’s principles are based upon providing an all encompassing service that improves the lives and mobility of older people so naturally we wanted to do all we could to help enable the Capital’s elderly population exercise their incredibly important right to vote.”

The partnership builds on the pair’s agreement announced back in May which has seen Gett couriers helping to deliver non-prescription items, giving the elderly and those requiring care more ready access to over-the-counter medicines.

Maruthappu added: “Through our partnership with Gett, we have access to hundreds of trusted cabbies who can safely deliver our patients and their carers to the nearest polling station before taking them home again. We are thrilled that together we can offer free rides to all patients receiving social care.”

Matteo de Renzi, Managing Director of Gett in the UK, added: “It’s really important that everyone who wants to vote is able to get to their polling station. This can be a particular challenge for people who use wheelchairs or who have additional needs.

“A black cab via Gett is one of the best ways to get around London so we’re really pleased to be helping out on this very important day for the UK.”