Capital may set up 190 taxi ranks

The Hanoi Transport Department suggested the municipal People's Committee set up 190 taxi ranks at shopping centres, hotels, and hospitals throughout the city.

The Hanoi Transport Department suggested the municipal People's Committee set up 190 taxi ranks at shopping centres, hotels, and hospitals throughout the city.

It also suggested that the taxis involved should be under the direction of controllers, as at leading airports..

A spokesman for the transport department said that the ranks would overcome the lack of space for taxis to park at many busy venues - and prevent traffic jams in busy times..

At present, taxi drivers often had to park near crowded residential areas or busy streets, he said.

Under the proposal, those seeking a taxi would only have to walk a few minutes to a rank, where they would be directed by taxi controllers.

Under the plan, taxi parking areas would be built in several downtown districts during the next two years.

The city now has 17,400 taxis. The current space for taxi parking only meets 5-10 per cent of demand.