I did not pass the drivers’ test required for people my age because of my poor eyesight.

With the help of my optometrist and ophthalmologist (cataract surgery), I qualified to regain my license.

This took over two months, though, and left me in great difficulty getting to appointments, visits and shopping.

Taxi companies seem to be overwhelmed.

I called them first, on two separate occasions, once to be rudely told that no cars were available, and the second time I was told they could not give me a pickup time.

A neighbour suggested Uride and once I put the app on my phone I felt independent once more.

On your phone, you get a pickup time, the name of your driver, an approximate cost and you can follow the driver’s car on a map as he or she drives to you.

The cars were extremely clean and the drivers most polite and considerate.

They would even wait at a short stop if you had to run in for something, and carry groceries and packages to the house.

The tip is left to your own discretion.

I valued the company highly and think council’s decision most ill-advised.

Sonia McMillan

Picton