Fourteen model taxi drivers selected

Fourteen winners of the Model Taxi Drivers Award from the Viewpoint of People with Disabilities today (March 15) found themselves appraised for the good service they have rendered to the disabled persons.

A total of 53 nomination forms were received since the Award scheme was launched last December and three taxi drivers who obtained the top highest scores were presented Outstanding Model Taxi Driver prizes while the rest eleven presented Model Taxi Driver prizes at a ceremony held today.

The scheme was jointly organised by the Transport Department, Hong Kong Council of Social Service, some taxi associations and Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited.

A spokesman of the Transport Department said that the number of winners were increased expressly from 10 to 14 so as to have more good drivers recognised by the community.

"These drivers were selected by an assessment panel on basis of their driving behaviours, attitudes, and their responsiveness towards disabled passengers," added the spokesman.

"Although the Award scheme ends today, we will continue to encourage and promote quality service for the disabled and the general public as well.

"The Award scheme is merely part of the series of taxi related activities including a Taxi Driver Award, a quarterly publication and training projects, which all aim to enhance the service quality of the trade."

The prize presentation ceremony drew together transport officials including the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, and the Deputy Secretary for Transport, Ms Linda Lai and member of the Transport Advisory Committee Mr Jeffrey Lam.

The Chairperson of the Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled, Sir Harry Fang, ambassadors of the Award scheme Mr Chong Chan-yau and Mr Benny Cheung, and pop star Andy Hui also participated in today's ceremony.

Wednesday, March 15, 2000