VietNamNet Bridge - Deputy Chief Inspector of the Hanoi Department of Transportation, Mr. Hoang Van Manh, has said that after a series of overcharging cases against foreign tourists, the department will inspect several taxi firms that usually break the rules. The firms that repeat violations will have their license revoked.

 

Taxi driver fined VND20 million for overcharging foreign tourists 

 

A taxi of Trung Viet Taxi company.

 

In relation to the incident on April 28, Manh said that the taxi driver of Trung Viet Taxi who charged an Australian couple VND980,000 ($45) for 7km is now put under house arrest. His car is temporarily seized by the police of Cau Giay District, Hanoi, during the investigation period.

Manh said that this is a serious incident in the management of vehicles and drivers in Hanoi.

Since early April, this is the 2nd case of violation of taxi drivers of Trung Viet Taxi. On April 12, a female driver of this company was detected to have installed an additional chip to change fares on the meter.

Manh said the Hanoi Department of Transportation had asked Trung Viet Taxi to seriously handle violations and punish its drivers. The agency also asked the company to step up the inspection and supervision over its drivers to avoid such violations. The Department of Transportation also required relevant bodies to inspect the operation of this taxi firm.

According to Manh, at least 15 to 20 taxi companies will be inspected. The first three will be Song Hong, Trung Viet and Ha Noi Moi, which were recently detected to overcharge passengers.

Manh said the biggest problem of taxi firm is the use of untrained drivers and loose management of drivers.

Phuong Ha