A cab company in one of Japan's major cities is trialling a new feature by introducing silent taxi drivers. 

 

日本某大城市的一家出租车公司推出“沉默司机”试运行活动。

 

Miyako Taxi, which is based in Kyoto, unveiled the new idea last month without much fanfare. 

 

The business is currently operating five "Silence Taxis" across the city as part of a trial. 

 

The cars look like any ordinary taxi but a notice written on the back of the passenger seat will inform passengers that they have entered one of the new silent fleet. 

 

Drivers will offer a greeting when their fare enters the car, and aside from confirming the route they will not engage in small talk. 

 

The drivers can indulge in conversation, but only if they are spoken to first, and they are also allowed to communicate in emergency situations. 

 

Announcing the idea, Miyako Taxi said: "This service is currently in a trial stage, with the goal of creating an in-car atmosphere that provides the most comfortable ride for passengers through limiting the driver's speaking."

 

Other than the latest initiative, the company has no official policy either way covering chatting in taxis.