from Vietnam
In a heart-warming display of com- passion, a taxi driver in Vietnam refused to accept payment from the family of a kidney
failure
patient, telling them to use the money for her medical care instead. Bui Thanh Tung had just driven a mother and her son home from Bai Chay Hospital in Quang Ninh province on July 7 when the son attempted to pay the 250,000 VND (around £7) fare. Dashcam footage captured the emotional moment Tung gently shook his head, declining the cash and telling the passenger: “No, I won’t take it. Keep the money to buy medicine for your mother.” When the young man insisted on paying, Tung firmly refused again and offered further support, telling him: “If anything happens, call me and I’ll come and pick you up.”
The visibly moved mother and son thanked the driver before getting out of the car. As they walked away, Tung called after them once more, saying: “Take your mother home. If you need anything, just call me.” Local media reported that the mother requires regular, ongoing dialysis treatment. Her husband works as a construction labourer to support the family and manage her growing medical bills. Tung, who has been a cab driver for four years, explained that he only learned about the family’s
financial and health
struggles while chatting with them during the trip. His kindness did not end with that single ride. The following morning, the woman’s daughter reached out to request another trip to the hospital. Although Tung was already carrying a passenger at the time, he made sure to arrange another driver for them. He added that he will gladly continue driving the family for treatment whenever his schedule allows. Tung shared that he frequently encounters elderly passengers, patients, and struggling families during his work, and he always tries to lend a hand. For him, the greatest reward is not the money, but knowing he has made life a little easier for people facing tough times.
PHTM AUGUST 2026 71
WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Italy
GENEROUS CABBIE REFUSES FARE TO HELP KIDNEY DIALYSIS PATIENT
CHAOS AS NATIONWIDE ITALIAN TAXI STRIKE GRINDS TRAVEL TO A HALT
A fierce, long-running feud exploded as licensed taxi drivers across Italy launched a 24-hour nationwide walkout on 27 June leaving major transport hubs stranded and travellers scrambling for alternatives. The massive strike represents a major escalation against the government and global ride-hailing apps like Uber. Taxi unions launched the industrial action in direct protest against what they call “savage liberalisation’ and “unfair competition.” Traditional drivers, who must pay well over €100,000 for strict municipal licences in major cities, are furious that multi-national apps and private hire drivers are using loopholes to dodge the same strict rules, boundaries, and fixed fares. Drivers also accuse the government of foot-dragging on key reforms, demanding a national registry to clamp down on unauthorised services and increased fares to offset soaring costs. The walkout caused massive gridlock, with standard taxis completely vanishing from Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Turin.
from India AND FINALLY.....
A taxi driver in Mumbai grabbed a woman by the hair at the last moment as she tried to commit suicide on the Atal Setu bridge...
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