As Fresher’s Week kicks off and thousands of students arrive in the Welsh capital, Dragon Taxis has pledged to support university students throughout the new academic year with its Safe Taxi Scheme. Working in collaboration with Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Safe Taxi Scheme ensures that all students can get a lift back to their halls after a night out, even if they don’t have money for the fare on them.

Between the hours of 10pm and 6am, seven days a week, students from participating universities can book a taxi journey for up to four passengers, to the value of £20, and pay via their Student Union within 48 hours.

By phoning 029 2033 3333, quoting either ‘Cardiff University Safe Taxi Scheme’ or ‘Cardiff Metropolitan University Safe Taxi Scheme’, and having a valid student card as proof of ID, a vehicle will be sent to stranded students as a matter of priority. The end location must be a student residential address, halls of residence, police station or hospital. Members of each Student Union are fully trained to offer support and advice about the service and take payment.

Now in its seventh successful year in Cardiff, the scheme was recently launched in Bath and Bristol by Dragon Taxis group operator Veezu, and also has an arm in Leeds. Veezu is the leading private hire operator in the UK with 3,500 driver partners covering 12.6 million passenger journeys per year.

Ryan Owen, Managing Director of Dragon Taxis, said: “Starting university and moving to a new area on your own can be daunting. Freshers, some of whom may never have been to Cardiff before, are finding their feet and their way around. We’re here, if they find themselves a bit lost without having to worry about having enough change on them or searching for a cash machine. Our emergency service will ensure they get home safe and they can settle their bill with their SU over the next few days.”

Visit dragontaxis.com to find out more.