Workplace English and Putonghua Training for Taxi Drivers

August, 2002

My dear friends,

Welcome to the second edition of Workplace English and Putonghua training programme launched by the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee. We have received positive feedback and valuable comments on the November 2000 version, from you as well as other members of the community. This edition includes new useful terms to meet the changing taxi operating environment. Once again, I am grateful to the Workplace English Campaign Steering Committee for co-sponsoring the English portion of the programme.

Taxis play an important and unique role in our transport system. You provide personalized point-to-point services for locals and tourists alike. Your service delivery is critical to taxi passengers' travel experience and satisfaction. Continuous self-improvement is vital to meet passengers' expectations for high quality taxi services and to enhance Hong Kong's image as a world-class cosmopolitan city. I therefore urge you to actively take part in this language training programme.

The programme is tailor-made for the taxi business. It is a self-learning package so that you can adjust your pace of learning in accordance with your individual needs, progress and circumstances. It is a practical programme aimed at equipping you with basic language skills to communicate with passengers in simple English and Putonghua. Useful terms, popular street and building names are also included.

Please do spare some time to enrich yourself with this user-friendly package. I look forward to your support and participation in the programme. If you have any suggestions on the programme, do feel free to write to me or send me an e-mail at tdenq@td.gov.hk.

Robert Footman
Commissioner for Transport