[Joyeuses fêtes] For lack of reindeer, the taxi takes the race

Santas on warning at the side of the road with a broken down car and a trunk full of presents? An essential or emergency medical appointment? A return from New Year's Eve too drunk to put the keys in the ignition? Or simply no means of transport to find loved ones? Because the family tradition must remain a celebration, like other of her colleagues, Leila will be on deck on December 24 until 2 a.m. the next day.

« We will make arrangements between us to ensure sufficient supply for customers, on the 24th and 31st “, explains Leila, who volunteers for Christmas every year. A choice motivated by reasons “ economical, because the profession suffers », Recalls the head of the Taxis en route union, which is fighting to keep medical races. But also ” because it is our main mission to provide service », adds this taxi driver who took up the profession “ out of passion, because I feel useful, and when I take care of a patient, I do my best to take them out of the race, out of the medical context, to help them de-stress, it's a job that I could not exercise if I ignored the human side ».

It is with a reassuring smile that she will open the door of her taxi on Christmas Eve, to travel the roads of Vaucluse. A generally busy evening, less than that of New Year's Day but a little special, with its festive side “. She will meet her three children the next day at her parents' house to open presents with the family. “ It's a habit we've developed, and this effort helps put pretty packages under the tree. »