More recently, in March, I was being hired to travel longer distances than normal, mainly to repatriate French people from abroad who were unable to return by plane or train… that is until, the lock-down began in light of the corona virus epidemic.

Then, cancellations arrived one after the other. Companies suppressed their travels and individuals stayed at home during this paralized month of April. Summer events such as weddings, gatherings, and concerts where I am to ensure a navette service (shuttle service between different places during an event day), all of which need a high level of organization, are also cancelled as of now because of the actual climate of incertitude and the last declarations of our government.

The sudden appearance of the worldwide outbreak this spring has a deep impact on the travel industry. It is an unexpected event that will remain worrying for us all into the future so we must adapt our business and reassure our customers about hygiene rules.

Private transport allows a much better result on this subject than public transport of course. When we transport several people together in the car, it's always members of one family, friends, or several collaborators or customers of a same company. A recent official decree also forbids the front seat to passengers and recommends a constant ventilation by an open window. We remain very adaptable and watchful to keep our knowledge up to date about the virus itself and the measures we can adopt against its propagation.

The confinement is an adjustment period, just the time to set up new automatic responses about disinfection, social distancing, protective masks, and gloves, spacing between two bookings etc. Melkhior also adds the possibility to cancel your booking for free if needed (in case of the unexpected during this troubled time.)

A new way of payment is also available from now on in addition to contactless payment, it becomes possible to pay via payment links directly sent on your own phone. We have found this to be a safe option for both parties. Once I’ve sent the one-time payment link to my customers, they enter their card details independently and none of their information is stored locally. As soon as they send payment, the link is deactivated. No physical contact at all with the card reader, more peace of mind !