More people are using taxis after a night out, especially on days like New Year’s Eve, according to operators.
‘The concept of getting a taxi instead of driving continues to become more popular’. Photo: DOISpeaking to Times of Malta on New Year’s Day, hours after one of the busiest days for the industry, eCabs co-founder Matthew Bezzina said that Monday night again proved that people’s mentality was finally shifting.
“The concept of getting a taxi instead of driving continues to become more popular,” Mr Bezzina, whose company is one of Malta’s largest taxi operators, said.
Another operator, who did not wish to be named, echoed Mr Bezzina’s comments, also reporting a busy New Year’s Eve. Mr Bezzina said pre-booking remained popular, with most of those using the taxi services planning ahead. It was a struggle to accommodate those who called at the last minute because most of the cars in the fleet would be in use, he remarked.
New Year’s Eve taxi customers came in all ages, Mr Bezzina said. “The awareness campaigns in recent years by the authorities seem to finally be bearing fruit,” he said.
Over the past few years, the government, together with NGOs and private companies, stepped up efforts to urge people to refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol and to seek alternative modes of transport.
Ahead of this festive season, the government’s Health Promotion Unit launched its annual awareness-raising campaign, urging drivers from abstaining from alcohol completely, warning that even a single drink could cost them their lives or that of others.