Service with a smile: Hong Kong to vote for kind, friendly taxi drivers

SCMP | Feb. 1, 2025, 5:05 a.m. | Original

A row of cabs at a taxi rank in Central. The Transport Department has announced the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme 2024 is open for public voting. Photo: May Tse

Refusing fares, rudeness and overcharging – many Hong Kong taxi drivers have earned a reputation for bad service, prompting passengers to grumble that it is hard to find a good cabby.

But a citywide taxi service commendation scheme with a record high number of nominations may change the view of many passengers who spot the good drivers, including those helping with wheelchairs, taking care of distressed commuters and even dressing smartly.

The Transport Department announced on Saturday that residents and tourists could cast their votes for the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme through a or by scanning the scheme’s QR code until May 31.

Jointly operated by the department and the Committee on Taxi Service Quality, the scheme, first launched in 2022, received a record number of more than 1,400 nominations for the Quality Taxi Drivers and Good Driver, Good Service awards.

A department spokesman appealed to the public and tourists to vote to recognise the quality taxi services provided by trade practitioners and enhance the image of the industry.

“Members of the public can learn more about the good services and performance of nominated taxi drivers, and cast votes for the awards,” he said.

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