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HK Provides Language Training, Commendation Programs for Taxi Drivers
The Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee (QTSSC) of Hong Kong will launch a workplace English program later this year to improve language efficiency of local taxi drivers.
QTSSC has successfully secured funding support from the Workplace English Campaign Steering Committee for the program.
To provide more comprehensive language training to taxi drivers and for cost efficiency, the Transport Department (TD) will also take the opportunity to integrate the workplace Putonghua program with the workplace English program. TD is now drawing up details of the workplace English and Putonghua programs, and plans to launch them by October this year.
Speaking after the QTSSC meeting Thursday, Jeffrey Lam, chairman of the committee, said: "The programs are aimed at equipping taxi drivers with basic language skills to communicate in simple English and Putonghua on areas like general greetings, destinations, payment of taxi fares, and so on. Useful terms, popular street and building names will also be included.
"Contents of the programs would be presented in the form of a self-learning package comprising two compact discs and a learning guide. The package will be distributed free of charge to taxi drivers through registered taxi owners and taxi associations," he added.
Separately, TD has proposed at the QTSSC meeting this afternoon to launch a "Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme" shortly to give recognition to taxi drivers who have delivered good service to taxi passengers.
Under the scheme, taxi drivers recommended by the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Consumer Council, the Police or the Transport Complaints Unit will each receive a commendation certificate, a quality taxi driver identity card and a souvenir from TD as token of appreciation for their good performance and delivery of quality services.
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