New plastic shields will be installed in 400 ComfortDelGro taxis to minimise contact between the drivers and their passengers and hopefully reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In a trial that has begun, about 50 taxis will be installed every week, the company said in a press statement.
Called V-shield, the locally-manufactured shields measure 1m x 0.7m x 0.6m and cover the driver’s cabin entirely. It has two “window” openings for passengers to make payment.
The shield encases only the driver’s cabin area and does not obstruct airflow in the rest of the cab.
“Our cabbies are exposed to passengers throughout the day and night. While our drivers take as much precaution as they can by wearing masks and constantly disinfecting their cabs, there is still a risk," said ComfortDelGro Taxi CEO, Ang Wei Neng.
"These shields will further reduce that level of risk as it serves as an added layer of protection for the cabbies.”
If the trial proves to be successful, more taxis will be fitted with the shields, said ComfortDelGro in its statement.