Car sharing scheme offers NHS staff and volunteers 50% off

A nationwide car club is offering staff and volunteers for the NHS half price access to its fleet.

Car sharing scheme Co-wheels Car Club has made the offer to doctors, nurses and paramedics, as well as frontline carers and NHS volunteers who may be struggling with transport.

The company is also waiving membership costs and monthly fees for those workers and volunteers.

As many elements of public transport are cancelled or operating on reduced schedules and people try to maintain social distancing, the company says it wants to give NHS staff another means of getting to work or to carry out other essential travel.

The offer is open to new customers as well as existing members, with a valid ID or volunteer acceptance letter required to take advantage of it.

Richard Falconer, director of Co-wheels, said: “For those without access to a car it can mean lengthy waits for public transport after a long shift, or could stop someone from being able to volunteer.

“By offering this discount, we want to make it safer and easier for these heroic people to get to where they need to be, and continue the vital work they are doing. We can’t thank them enough.”

The scheme works on a pay-as-you-go basis, with drivers charged for the hire time and distance driven. Drivers can book cars and vans for anything between 30 minutes and full days.

The club has locations in more than 60 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales and, once registered, members receive a smartcard in the post which is used to access the hire vehicles, meaning keys aren’t needed.

To protect vehicle users, Co-wheels is carrying out extra measures to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. Every vehicle is professionally cleaned regularly, including the use of antiseptic wipes on key contact points.

For more information on Co-wheels and to claim the discount and book visit www.co-wheels.org.uk/nhs_staff_volunteers.