Tourist taxis in the historical city of Yazd in central Iran were launched on Friday, in the latest measure to boost local tourism. Masoud Soltanifar, the head of the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, inaugurated the scheme, news website Asre Khodro reported. Currently 18 tourist taxis, distinguished by the letters YTT (Yazd Tourist Taxi) on the sides, ply the streets of the ancient city. Drivers are supposed to have at least a working knowledge of the English language. “Tour guides and drivers must attend and successfully complete English language courses before they’re given work permits,” Mohammad Mehdi Sherafat, head of the provincial wing of ICHHTO, was quoted as saying by YJC. For easy access, the taxis will be available mostly near attractions and hotels. Tour operators can also hire the cabs to organize city tours. The scheme was prepared in cooperation with the Yazd Taxi Organization. Yazd is the capital of Yazd Province and a center of Zoroastrian culture. It is an architecturally unique city also known in Iran for the high quality of its handicrafts, especially silk weaving, and confectionary.
