Stringent new test to improve the etiquette of taxi drivers

[Hans Mann]

After all, taxi drivers at airports can leave a strong first impression on tourists.

Passengers at these airports are known to face many problems, ranging from drivers refusing to turn on their meter, to overcharging, cheating and refusing to take local passengers in preference for foreigners.

Initially, AOT officials tried to solve the problem by getting passengers pay an additional Bt50 over and above the meter fare.

Yet these issues did not go away. Every time a problem related to taxis at airports occurs, the AOT and Land Transport Department usually deal with it on a case-by-case basis. There was no systematic long-term solution until the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute and Suan Dusit Rajabhat University's Human Capital Development Centre decided to team up and draft standards for the profession - people who drive public or community transport vehicles.

Now, taxi drivers can apply to undergo a special test and earn a professional licence.

Dr Darunee Kaewmuang, chief of the Competency Assurance Centre for Occupational Standards for Community Transport, said the aim of the project is to produce good taxi drivers.

Last year, 106 of 122 applicants passed the test and received a professional certificate, while this year 404 taxi drivers applied and 375 got certificates.

As many as 1,000 drivers are expected to pass the test next year, and 3,000 the following year.

Applications for the professional licence are free, but drivers have to undergo intensive tests both in theory and practice. They must have a knowledge of geography, locations, roads, car engines, as well as how to provide good service to passengers, from when they get into the car until they reach their destination.

Some taxi drivers who have earned this certificate will be.....

Stringent new test to improve the etiquette of taxi drivers

[BobR]

Much like the Buddha altars on the taxi dashboards that have no correlation whatsoever to the honesty of the driver, this paper will be meaningless.

With the "no refusal" policy the best way to not get refused is to just get in (not ask at the window), then tell him where you want to go. If he's not happy tell him to call the police.

[NZdick1983]

Question 1:

Patron is refusing to pay 1,000 baht to travel 500 meters from the pub to his residence. Should you...

A. relent and charge him the actual fair meter price of 329 baht
B. slash him to pieces with a samurai sword you carry in your trunk
C. stab him to death with the knife hidden under your seat

[Maanaam]

"Some taxi drivers who have earned this certificate will be entitled to free language courses in Japanese, Chinese or English. "

Well, that's innovative and apt. Kudos to whoever thought of it.

Knowledge about car engines, though? (read the whole article). I don't give a stuff if my driver has no mechanical knowledge, as long as he/she is honest, safe, and topographically knowledgeable.

[taxexile]

it is, like most thai initiatives designed to improve some failing system or other, complete and utter bullshit, the test is not compulsory so what is the fucking point.

honest drivers wishing to improve themselves will take the test and display their certificate with pride.

and the chickenheaded arseholes that give drivers a bad name will just happily carry on as before.

and the put upon general public will be none the wiser and continue to be raped, threatened, refused service and robbed by some of the toerags that obtain licenses to drive taxis, many of which by the way are filthy old rustbuckets.

Thailand Professional Qualification Institute and Suan Dusit Rajabhat University's Human Capital Development Centre decided to team up and draft standards for the profession

somebody should come up with a test to see if these idiots are fit for purpose too.

[Seekingasylum]

A fucking taxi capable of taking two passengers with their impedimenta would be a start, never mind the extraneous fact the driver may also be an uncouth, imbecilic chickenhead.

[Neverna]

Stringent new test in Thailand.

I can't put my finger on it at the moment but something doesn't seem quite right.

[Luigi]

Knowledge about car engines, though? (read the whole article). I don't give a stuff if my driver has no mechanical knowledge, as long as he/she is honest, safe, and topographically knowledgeable.

Errr, clearly that is for if the taxi has engine trouble.

[stamford]

Why isn't it up to the cabbie whether he takes a fare, or not? He's the one trying to earn a living.

[taxexile]

Why isn't it up to the cabbie whether he takes a fare, or not? He's the one trying to earn a living.

good idea, perhaps restaurants should refuse to take certain orders if the chef isnt in the mood for cooking them, or hospitals could start refusing patients with piles because broken bones are not so messy to treat.

[billy the kid]

Just laughed when i read the heading. love TD.

[stamford]

Why isn't it up to the cabbie whether he takes a fare, or not? He's the one trying to earn a living.

good idea, perhaps restaurants should refuse to take certain orders if the chef isnt in the mood for cooking them, or hospitals could start refusing patients with piles because broken bones are not so messy to treat.

green sent

[bankao dreamer]

Stringent new test in Thailand.

I think it's a typo with a grammatical error. It should read

New string vest in Thailand