COUNTY Durham is driving up taxi standards, thanks to a pilot training scheme.
The initiative has put raising standards in customer service at the top of the public transport agenda and several drivers have completed the pilot course to gain the Intermediate Certificate in Licence Education for Taxi and Private Hire.
They were presented with certificates and identity badges to show they have made the grade at a ceremony at County Hall in Durham City yesterday.
Training for the scheme, which has been piloted in Wear Valley district and Sedgefield borough, includes customer care, disability equality and health and safety issues.
The scheme has proved so popular it is being extended to other areas of County Durham.
Funding has been provided by the East and West Durham Rural Transport Partnership (RTP), the Countryside Agency and Durham County Council.
Dan Alliband, East Durham RTP officer, said: "The main aim of the project is to raise the standard of customer service. This scheme is an excellent means of providing quality assurance for passengers who will be able to request a trained driver when booking their taxi."
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