Safer travel can be arranged for people going to or coming from hospital if the taxi company is warned ahead of time, Port Macquarie Taxis fleet manager Carl Eade said.

"If passengers can let us know they are going for a COVID test ahead of time, we can arrange a MaxiTaxi to pick them up at no extra cost (unless there's five people)," he said.

"If we know before they get in the car, we can organise to have the driver open and close the door. The passenger's seat, belt buckle and area is sanitised afterwards.

"Pickup address and drop off address becomes an issue when a normal car is sent for someone going to hospital. The passenger and driver are seated much closer together in a normal car."

If drivers are put at risk, they must isolate and this has an impact on driver earnings, Mr Eade said.

Driver Peter Brasher said he is yet to have any passengers delivered to hospital for COVID testing, but has had return fares.

"It is a real worry for the drivers because it puts them out of business for a while and they have to tested," Mr Brasher said.

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