RIYADH: The taxi sector in the Kingdom is witnessing a qualitative shift implemented by the Public Transport Authority (PTA), in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Taxis are to be clearly identifiable, with a green exterior, and will be obliged to use a regulated fare system, meters and electronic payment facilities. Vehicles will be linked to modern tracking technologies and maps. The new taxis will start appearing at the Kingdom’s airports, and the change will gradually include taxis all over the Kingdom. The PTA has started implementing a training program for taxi drivers in all regions of the country. The program includes major airports and contains specialized training courses focused on developing the skills of drivers to serve tourists and visitors, raising the level of professional competence of drivers in dealing with customers and enriching the experience of visitors to the Kingdom in general. Fawaz Al Sahli, vice president of the PTA land transport sector, said that the program has been supported by taxi companies, and more than 10,000 taxi drivers have benefited so far. Moreover, the PTA has made the courses available in three languages — Arabic, English and Urdu — to benefit as many drivers as possible. Majed bin Salem Al-Zahrani, director general of Small Vehicle Transport, said that the training course focused on the importance of customer service, highlighting the importance of maintaining the vehicle’s cleanliness and operational efficiency, which improves the passengers’ experience. He said the course was part of a comprehensive training program that also includes bus drivers and the employees of car rental offices. It also offers a professional accreditation program for drivers. The courses are in partnership with the SCTH and Saudi airports.