More than 200 drivers were scheduled to attend the three-hour session at Alexandra Quay. The training covered port facilities and cruise embarkation and disembarkation procedures. A contest was organized, and refreshments were served.
'It is very important that the Cruise Committee and the taxi drivers work together in welcoming passengers to Montréal,' said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. 'The taxi driver is often the first point of contact between the tourist and the city; it is therefore essential that he or she be motivated and informed of our approach.'
For his part, Benoit Jugand, general manager of the Bureau du taxi de Montréal, said the increasing number of cruise passengers presents 'a fantastic opportunity for taxis.'
He added: 'This type of event is important for our members because it helps them understand how cruise activities function, so they can provide their cruise line customers with quality service.'
The Port of Montréal's cruise season is scheduled to open May 17. Some 55,000 passengers are expected in the coming months.
