Good manners classes for new taxi drivers
I agree with correspondents who say that more must be done to enhance the quality of taxi services in Hong Kong.
There have been many complaints about taxi drivers being rude, refusing a hire or overcharging. Taxi operators should realise that, with car-hailing app Uber becoming more popular, they must improve if they want to remain competitive.
The problem of rudeness can be dealt with by the Transport Department, which could hold compulsory courtesy classes once a month for new cabbies. They can learn how to deal in a civil way with difficult passengers instead of losing their temper. Foul-mouthed taxi drivers create a very bad impression with newly arrived tourists and harm the city’s reputation.
The government should put up banners and posters near taxi ranks informing people that it is illegal for a taxi driver to refuse a hire so that passengers are aware of their rights.
The government needs to tighten the law and should have tougher punishments for drivers convicted of overcharging.
These measures can help restore customers’ confidence in the taxi sector and the service it provides.