Quality taxi drivers commended and new logo for Quality Taxi Services launched

Twenty taxi drivers who have shown good conduct and provided quality services to the passengers were today (December 19) commended as quality drivers for providing quality services to the public.

Another 800 taxi drivers who reported lost property found in their taxis, were commended as merit drivers.

Officiating at the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony today, Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said the quality services delivered by taxi drivers was critical to taxi passengers' travel experience and satisfaction, and continuous self-improvement on the provision of taxi services was important to attract more passengers.

Mr Footman expressed his greatest appreciation to the winners' efforts and positive attitude in providing high quality taxi services to passengers.

"They are role models for others to follow," he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony was the newly appointed Chairman of the Quality Taxi Services Committee (QTSSC), Dr Eric Tsang, who said that providing quality taxi services not only improved the public transport services standard to attract more people to use taxis, but also helped uplift the image of Hong Kong to the tourists. "It is important for members of the trade to maintain quality services to meet increasing passengers' expectations and promote Hong Kong's good image in the transport and tourism industries.

"I am pleased to witness the fruitful result today," Dr Tsang said.

At the Ceremony, Mr Footman and Dr Tsang launched a new logo of QTSSC, which will be published and printed in QTSSC Homepage, Quality Taxi Driver Identity Plate and all new publication of QTSSC with effect from January 1, 2005.

The new QTSSC logo signifies the joining hands of taxi trades with QTSSC to promote the quality taxi services.

"I shall continue to keep close contact and communication with the taxi trade and work together for the challenge in the future," Dr Tsang said.

The Quality Taxi Drivers who were nominated by Hong Kong people and tourists with the commendation on their quality services and good conduct in the past year were awarded with Quality Taxi Driver Identity Plate, Quality Taxi Driver Certificates, LPG coupon and cash coupons after assessment and accreditation by the Assessment Panel formed under the QTSSC. The merit taxi drivers and 46 taxi associations and/or radio stations were awarded with Certificates of Appreciation and/or LPG coupons.

Ends/Sunday, December 19, 2004