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The quality of the services rendered by taxi drivers is critical to passenger satisfaction, and continuous service improvement is important in attracting more passengers.

"Taxis play a unique role in our transport system, providing personalised services for locals and tourists alike," Mr Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the Quality Taxi Services Committee, told the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony today (December 21).

"It is important for members of the trade to maintain quality service to meet passengers' increasing expectations and to enhance Hong Kong's image as a world-class cosmopolitan city," he said.

"I am pleased to recognise the 12 'quality' taxi drivers being recognised for good conduct and quality service to passengers, and some 1,200 'merit' taxi drivers who reported lost property found in their taxis. All of them endeavoured to provide quality taxi services to the public."

Said the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman: "I highly appreciate the 'quality' taxi drivers and the 'merit' taxi drivers who have demonstrated excellent service. They are role models for others to follow."

"Since the 24-hours free taxi lost property hotline was launched in December 2001, some 2,000 passengers successfully found their lost property through the hotline service," Mr Footman said. "Over 1,200 'merit' taxi drivers made this possible through their honesty and commitment to good passenger service in the past year."

The Transport Department conducted a second Taxi Passengers' Opinion Survey from December 2002 to February 2003. More than 3,500 local taxi passengers and tourists were interviewed face-to-face or by telephone.

The findings of the Taxi Passengers' Opinion Survey were encouraging.

Compared with 1999, taxi drivers were rated significantly higher on performance. Tourists gave them a score of 80 marks in 2002, compared to 76 in 1999.

Public awareness of Quality Taxi Services was also high. According to the survey, 96% of taxi users had noticed the quality taxi service projects launched in the past few years.

The "quality" taxi drivers nominated by the local public and tourists for their service and conduct in the past year received Quality Taxi Driver Identity Plates, Quality Taxi Driver Certificates, LPG coupons and cash awards after assessment and accreditation by the Assessment Panel of the Quality Taxi Services Committee.

The "merit" taxi drivers and 44 taxi associations and radio stations were awarded Certificates of Appreciation.

Ends/Sunday, December 21, 2003

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