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A total of 17 quality taxi drivers with good conduct and quality services and some 800 taxi drivers who reported lost property found on taxis were commended today (September 22).
Officiating at the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme 2006, Chairman of the Quality Taxi Services Committee (QTSSC) Dr Eric Tsang said: "It is the 5th Anniversary of the scheme, which aims to establish an ongoing channel for taxi passengers to show their appreciation and to give commendation to taxi drivers providing quality taxi services for passengers."
"This year, we received various kinds of nominations on good conduct. It reflected not only the good attitude of taxi drivers, but also the kindness and sensitivity of Hong Kong people."
Also officiating at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Alan Wong said: "The Transport Department will continue to provide full support to QTSSC to promote quality taxi services. I highly appreciate the Quality Taxi Drivers and the taxi drivers who have demonstrated excellent service. They are role models for others to follow."
At the ceremony, Dr Tsang and Mr Wong also launched the "Taxi Operation Self-Learning Video Programme", which will be uploaded to the QTSSC website on October 1. A VCD version will also be distributed to various taxi associations.
The programme was designed and produced to help new taxi drivers understand basic taxi operation and taxi service standards. The in-service taxi drivers can also review the key elements of quality taxi service, including modules on basic operation, customer services and occupational safety.
Mr Wong encouraged taxi drivers to participate in courses to enhance their knowledge of customer services and safe driving. To enhance the competitiveness of the trade, he also called on the trade to introduce new multi-purpose vehicle models with larger compartments for luggage or wheelchairs.
The Quality Taxi Drivers, nominated from the public and tourists, were awarded with Quality Taxi Driver Identity Plates, Quality Taxi Driver Certificates, LPG coupons and cash coupons after assessment and accreditation by the Assessment Panel under the QTSSC. Meanwhile, the "merit" taxi drivers and 43 taxi associations and/or radio stations were awarded with Certificates of Appreciation and/or LPG coupons. All the prizes are sponsored by various commercial companies and organisations.
Ends/Friday, September 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:36
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