More initiatives to promote quality taxi services

The Quality Taxi Services Forum (the Forum) was held today (January 10) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Forum drew about 200 participants from different local and overseas parties and provided an opportunity for them to explore possible ways to improve the quality of taxi services in Hong Kong. Topics discussed at the forum include:

	Application of information technology to improve taxi services
	Environmental initiatives
	Partnership with Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Police
	Taxi driver training and performance
	Development of taxi service/industry
	The valuable exchanges with representatives from vehicle manufacturer, taxi operators and taxi service regulatory authorities in neighbouring cities gave the local taxi trade inspirations on ways to improve taxi service quality.

In addition to the Forum, a number of initiatives to further brush up the quality of taxi services in Hong Kong are in the pipeline to enable the taxi trade to work towards the goal of providing "world class taxi services".

Addressing the Forum this morning, Chairman of the Ad hoc Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee (QTSSC), Mr Jeffrey Lam, said both the Government and the taxi trade were determined to improve service quality.

He said: "In view of the success of the taxi driver award schemes launched last year, QTSSC will join hands with Transport Department (TD) again to introduce the "Taxi Driver Award Scheme 2001" to enhance taxi drivers' awareness in delivering quality services to passengers.

"A taxi driver commendation scheme is also on the drawing board to provide an additional channel for passengers to commend taxi drivers who have provided excellent services."

Also speaking at the Forum, the Commission for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, paid tribute to taxi drivers who had been making their efforts to provide safe, efficient and comfortable services to passengers.

"The provision of quality taxi services was the key for a better development of the taxi trade. In view of keen competition from other public transport services, the standard of services provided by taxi drivers must be improved to meet the expectations of passengers," said the Commissioner.

In this regard, TD is working on a comprehensive taxi driver training programme to enhance the customer service, language and driving skills of taxi drivers.

Audience at the Forum also learnt that a scheme on taxi pick up/drop off points at busy clearways would be put on trial later this year to provide more convenience to passengers.

End/Wednesday, January 10, 2001