City Hails Edmonton’s Top Cab, Limo and Shuttle Drivers

November 09, 2011

The City’s Vehicle for Hire Commission has recognized the best of the taxi, limousine and shuttle industry in the 8th annual Vehicle for Hire Driver Appreciation Awards. Twenty drivers won awards for everything from the cleanest taxi to the best customer service.

“There really are some outstanding drivers working in Edmonton and this is our way of thanking them for all that they do,” said Garry Dziwenka, Chief Livery Officer with the City. “This year we also recognized some people who have helped improve the industry as a whole. They have worked tirelessly to make sure Edmontonians get the best service possible, and we are grateful for their contributions.”

Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry were recognized with four special awards, including a Bill Dhanoa Award named after a driver who has been recognized as Edmonton’s best driver for multiple years.

The special award recipients were:

Bill Dhanoa – The Bill Dhanoa Award
Bill Dhanoa has received multiple Vehicle for Hire Driver Appreciation Awards in the last few years and has significantly helped promote the awards and nomination process to the public. He is the first recipient of his namesake award, which will recognize drivers that make a significant contribution to the industry in the future.

Balraj Manhas – Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award
Balraj has been the president of the United Cab Drivers Association since 2006 and in that time has built the association into a well-recognized voice for taxi driver interests.

Gord Beatty – Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award
Gord has worked in the industry for over 25 years and in that time developed driver training programs for two of Edmonton’s largest taxi companies. These programs significantly improved safety and customer service, and eventually became the foundation for the City of Edmonton’s required driver training program.

Ian Lee – Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award
Ian has worked in the taxi broker industry for many years and consistently advocates for better safety and customer service standards in Edmonton. Ian has brought many well-researched recommendations to the Vehicle for Hire Commission over the years and is responsible for many regulatory improvements.

Winners of the driver appreciation awards were nominated by members of the public throughout the year, while the special award winners were nominated and selected by members of the Vehicle for Hire Commission.

 

For more information:

Garry Dziwenka

Sustainable Development
City of Edmonton

Title	Chief Livery Officer
Telephone	780-496-5247