Taxi drivers commended for quality service

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     The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Joseph Y T Lai, and Chairman of the Quality Taxi Services Committee (QTSSC), Mr Jimmy Poon, today (November 5) called on the taxi trade to use the opportunity of the East Asian Games to promote a positive image of the trade as well as Hong Kong as a whole.

     Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony of the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme 2009, Mr Lai said that with the Fifth East Asian Games to be held next month,over 3000 athletes and many spectators from nine countries and areas would gather in Hong Kong.  This would bring the taxi trade many business opportunities, he said. Mr Lai and Mr Poon said they hoped that the trade would continue to provide quality taxi services for tourists and promote a positive image of the trade and Hong Kong as a whole.

     The prize presentation ceremony was jointly organised by the Transport Department (TD) and the QTSSC.  This year, 12 taxi drivers were awarded as "Quality Taxi Drivers" and about 400 taxi drivers who had reported lost property found in taxis were commended.

     Mr Lai expressed his appreciation to the awarded and commended drivers for their contribution in promoting a quality taxi service and a positive image for the trade.  He commended the "Quality Taxi Drivers" for their good conduct and outstanding service and also praised the merit taxi drivers who had returned lost property to passengers.  He encouraged the trade to take them as role models.

     He also mentioned that a series of occupational health campaigns will be co-organised by the TD and the QTSSC early next year to encourage taxi drivers to maintain good health so as to provide a quality taxi service.

     Chairman of the QTSSC Mr Poon said that the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme was launched since 2001.  He noted that active nominations received by the QTSSC showed that quality taxi services were acknowledged by local residents and tourists.  The QTSSC would continue to work with the TD and the taxi trade in promoting quality taxi service so that more passengers would enjoy pleasant taxi journeys, he said.

     To enhance the publicity on a quality taxi service, Mr Sammy Leung and Miss Kitty Yuen were appointed as this year's "Quality Taxi Service Ambassadors" and will share with taxi drivers and passengers the good conduct of taxi drivers.

     The "Quality Taxi Drivers" nominated by the public and tourists were chosen by an assessment panel under the QTSSC.  Apart from trophies and certificates, the winners were also awarded taxi driver identity plates specially designed for Quality Taxi Drivers, and other gifts.  The merit taxi drivers and the 54 taxi associations and/or radio stations were presented with Certificates of Appreciation.

Ends/Thursday, November 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:50

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