Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony Honors Top Drivers and Management Teams for Quality Service Improvements

Taxi Service Commendation Scheme recognises trade's continuous efforts to enhance service quality

The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department (TD) today (August 21) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2025 to commend outstanding taxi drivers and taxi service management teams.

Speaking at the Prize Presentation Ceremony, the Commissioner for Transport and Chairman of the CTSQ, Miss Winnie Tse, said that she was pleased to note the increasing participation of taxi drivers, the trade and the public in the Commendation Scheme in recent years. This demonstrated the public's support and encouragement for practitioners who delivered quality riding experiences.

Miss Tse highlighted that the Government has incorporated "continuing to enhance taxi service quality" into the Transport Strategy Blueprint as one of the key areas of work in the long run, and has promoted the long-term healthy development of the industry through various measures, including the introduction of the taxi fleet regime to establish more professional and systematic fleets. With a view to leveraging technology to improve driving and passenger safety, all fleet taxis are installed with three devices, namely a Global Navigation Satellite System, a dash camera and CCTV. All taxis will also be equipped with these devices in future.

In addition, the Government has enhanced the Taxi Written Test and introduced the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system along with a two-tier penalty system, aiming to attract new blood to the industry and foster a virtuous cycle. Furthermore, the new taxi e-payment requirement has been smoothly implemented, with the number of e-payment transactions growing exponentially and being well received by passengers. The TD will continue to work closely with the trade, including implementing the installation of Journey Recording Systems inside the compartments of all taxis to safeguard the rights and interests of both passengers and drivers.

Miss Tse said, "We would like to thank the trade for the concerted effort, putting the enhancement of travel experience first and ensuring the smooth implementation of these measures. Such measures represent 'one small step' for an individual, which together form 'one giant leap' in reforming the taxi industry, where 'reform is an ongoing journey'. Looking ahead, we rely on your support to jointly deepen the reform to provide more quality choices for personalised point-to-point public transport services to benefit passengers and tourists."

An assessment panel comprising non-trade members of the CTSQ and representatives of relevant government departments selected 20 Quality Taxi Drivers this year from 627 nominated taxi drivers. The driver receiving the highest number of votes in the public voting was presented with the Most Popular Taxi Driver award, while two taxi drivers who delivered exceptional service during rides were awarded the Good Driver, Good Service awards. The assessment panel also selected one Quality Taxi Service Management Team based on performance in management, technological applications and social responsibility. A list of awardees is provided in the Annex.

The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department today (August 21) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2025 to commend outstanding taxi drivers and taxi service management teams. Photo shows the Commissioner for Transport and Chairman of the CTSQ, Miss Winnie Tse (front row, tenth left); the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Transport Services and Management, Ms Candy Kwok (front row, eighth left); and the Assistant Commissioner for Transport/Management and Paratransit, Ms Louisa Fung (front row, twelfth left), with members of the CTSQ and awardees. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department today (August 21) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2025 to commend outstanding taxi drivers and taxi service management teams. Photo shows the Commissioner for Transport and Chairman of the CTSQ, Miss Winnie Tse (second left), the Good Driver, Good Service awardees and the Most Popular Taxi Driver. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department today (August 21) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2025 to commend outstanding taxi drivers and taxi service management teams. Photo shows the Commissioner for Transport and Chairman of the CTSQ, Miss Winnie Tse, speaking at the Prize Presentation Ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) announced an imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infections.

The case involves a 24-year-old male with good past health. He developed abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, blood and mucus in stool and headache since August 6. He attended a private hospital on August 9 and was admitted for treatment. His condition improved after treatment and was discharged on August 13. Throughout the hospitalisation period, his condition remained stable without any complications. His stool sample tested positive for STEC by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

According to information provided by the patient, he travelled to Malaysia between August 1 and 8, part of which fell within the incubation period. During the trip, he had consumed high-risk food and beverages, including drinking unboiled tap water, and consuming pre-cut fruits and street foods. The CHP classified the case as an imported case. One of his five travel collaterals also developed diarrhoea. The CHP advised the travel collateral to seek medical attention as soon as possible with arrangement to test stool sample to confirm if there is any infection. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP has recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the fourth case of STEC infection recorded in Hong Kong this year.

The incubation period of STEC infection generally ranges from three to four days. In general, STEC infections are mostly associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur. Waterborne transmissions have been reported, both from contaminated drinking water and from recreational waters. The public is advised to observe good personal and food hygiene.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'swebpagefor more information about STEC.

Source: AI-found images