Course reverses rude cabbie image

Drivers in Aberdeen were labelled the worst in Scotland

Taxi drivers in Aberdeen have qualified for a new customer care course aimed at improving services for passengers.

A group of 20 cabbies, 16 men and four women, have completed a five-week Top Taxi programme.

The training - aimed at improving the service provided by drivers - included skills such as first aid, disability awareness and tourist information.

Aberdeen's cabbies were the subject of 190 complaints last year, mostly for bad driving, high fares and rudeness.

A national survey dubbed the city's drivers the worst in Scotland.

Taxi driver Russell Napier said: "I think the course tries to make you more customer aware.

We're hoping to ensure that taxi drivers have the highest level of skill and knowledge Heather Farquhar Aberdeen City Council

"You've got all different types of customer from different walks of life with different needs - disabled, business people and tourists.

"I've learned a few things about the history of Aberdeen. We've been shown round by a tour guide, so it does help. It's good."

Heather Farquhar, of Aberdeen City Council, which has paid for the good manners drive, said: "We're hoping to ensure that local Aberdeen taxi drivers have the highest level of skill and knowledge.

"It is so they are able to offer a professional service of customer care and also knowledge of Aberdeen and the area to encourage visitors to the city to see some of our highspots."