2-kilometre taxi ride charged at 70,000 dong prompts official warning

Gia Lai authorities have ordered a transport cooperative and a taxi driver to take the incident seriously after a tourist complained about paying 70,000 dong for a 2-kilometre ride.

Nguyễn Trường Sơn, director of the provincial Department of Construction, said on Sept. 5 that ASIA Quy Nhon Transport Cooperative and the driver involved must correct how they communicate and agree fares with passengers. They must provide complete fare information before a journey and comply with rules on electronic contracts, pricing and service conduct.

The department also instructed the cooperative to increase inspections and supervision of its drivers. It must actively receive and handle passenger complaints so similar incidents do not recur.

Following the case, the department encouraged every passenger transport operator in the province to sign a pledge to comply with the law. Companies and cooperatives agreed not to pressure or compete improperly for passengers, refuse transport or conceal fares. They also committed to declaring, displaying and charging fares transparently.

Operators were asked to develop codes of conduct, require drivers to sign compliance pledges and take strict action against violations. The department said any operator that breaks its pledge must suspend operations until it fully meets the requirements.

Tuổi Trẻ previously reported that a tourist visiting Quy Nhon said a taxi driver charged 75,000 dong for a 2-kilometre trip and behaved discourteously. Provincial leaders then directed the department to investigate and address the case, citing the need to protect Gia Lai’s tourism image.