Taxi Service Standards Launched

The Transport Department has introduced a set of service standards for taxi drivers in a bid to promote the quality of taxi service.

At a ceremony held today at Edinburgh Place taxi stand outside the Star Ferry pier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, switched on a newly designed LED Display System to mark the launch of the Taxi Service Standards.

The Standards sets out how a quality taxi driver should behave, which include keeping their personal appearance clean and tidy; keeping the taxi clean and comfortable; charging the exact fare and using the most direct route or route specified by passengers.

It also reminds taxi drivers to be polite to passengers, be proactive to passengers and provide a safe and smooth ride.

A Transport Department spokesman said the display of the Taxi Service Standards would help enhancing mutual understanding between taxi drivers and their passengers.

The LED display is a new attempt by the Transport Department to disseminate useful information to taxi passengers. Apart from the Taxi Service Standards, other useful information are displayed including buckling up the seat belts, approximate taxi fares to popular destinations and how taxi passengers should behave on a taxi. The information is run on the LED display non-stop throughout the day.

"As the taxi stand at Edinburgh Place is conveniently located, the LED display should be useful to both local passengers and tourists.," the spokesman said.

The information is updated by the department regularly. Other useful information like emergency transport arrangement can also be displayed to inform the public as and when necessary.

"Apart from the one at Star Ferry at Central, we have identified suitable locations at taxi stands at Kowloon Tong and Tai Po KCRC Stations, Tuen Mun and Tung Chung to set up the LED display," the spokesman said.

"Depending on the feedback and comments of the public, more may be introduced hopefully through commercial sponsorship," he added.

Joined by taxi trade representatives, Mr Footman distributed flyers on Taxi Service Standards to taxi drivers after the launching ceremony.

End/Wednesday, May 23, 2001