Campaign to launch replacement of Taxi Driver Identity Plates

The Transport Department (TD) will launch a taxi driver identity plates (TDIP) replacement campaign from early October until the end of December to replace the existing TDIP of all taxi drivers free of charge. Opportunity is also taken to revise the design of the TDIP with additional features so as to promote quality taxi services.

Announcing details of the campaign and the new design of the TDIP today (September 26), the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said, "The new TDIP is one of the latest initiatives taken by TD to enhance the professional image of the taxi drivers and to facilitate passengers to have clearer sight of taxi drivers' information."

Mr Footman added, "Taxi drivers could continue to use their existing TDIP for a period of three months until December 31. Thereafter, they are required to display the new TDIP inside the taxi compartment."

During the three-month period, taxi drivers could make arrangement for replacement of their TDIP at replacement centres set up at designated LPG stations and various taxi associations. They could also do so at specified photo shop outlets upon presenting a replacement coupon which will be made available at TD's Licensing Offices and the replacement centres. The new TDIP will be delivered to taxi drivers by mail or could be collected in person at the replacement centres.

The existing TDIP was introduced in 1994. After consulting with the taxi trade, the Police and the Transport Complaints Unit, TD has come up with a new design of TDIP with key features as follows:

	The size of the new TDIP doubles the ones currently used by taxi drivers;
	The TD's logo and date of issue are included; and
	The new TDIP is plastic laminated to improve its durability.

For taxi drivers who have been awarded for providing quality taxi service to the public, a "Q" mark logo of the Quality Taxi Services will also be shown on their new TDIP.

Promotional flyers about the new TDIP will be distributed at TD Licensing Offices, taxi associations, LPG stations, tunnels offices, district offices and HK Automobile Association. There will also be radio broadcast on the campaign during the replacement period.

To ensure the quality of the TDIP, TD will review the design of the TDIP every three years.

Apart from the TDIP replacement scheme, TD has also organized the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony and launched the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee homepage this year to help improve the quality of taxi services and the image of taxi drivers.

End/Thursday, September 26, 2002