TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — To honor outstanding taxi drivers, the Taichung City Government Transportation Bureau will present a cash bonus of NT$6,000 (US$184) and a certificate to qualified taxi drivers, with registration open until June 19.
Transportation director Yeh Chao-Fu (葉昭甫) said there are 10,000 professional taxi drivers in Taichung. Yeh thanked them for contributing to the city’s transportation network, providing door-to-door services on major roads and narrow alleys.
Yeh said the cash awards induce a sense of honor and commitment to the profession. However, earning the award is not easy, as each applicant needs to be recommended by taxi associations or labor unions, with a final review by municipal officials, per UDN.
"Serving passengers with a cordial and enthusiastic attitude is one requirement, and we are also interested in taxi drivers who have participated in community service," said Yeh.
Requirements for the honor include being a Taiwanese citizen, holding a driver’s license for more than three years, and having no traffic violations or accidents within the past three years. Taxi drivers who have earned this honor in the past five years are disqualified.