Xpat Interview: Miklós Tamás, Chairman, City Taxi

  • 31 Mar 2015 12:00 PM
Xpat Interview: Miklós Tamás, Chairman, City Taxi
I am Miklós Tamás and I was born in Budapest in 1955. Since 2005, I have been the Company Chairman of City Taxi, one of the most well known and popular taxi companies in Budapest.

City Taxi was started in 1983 by a small number of taxi drivers and has grown since then to become one of the biggest taxi companies in Budapest today. The aim of the company is to provide excellent quality services for its contracted clients and retail partners.

City Taxi operates as a cooperative with more than 400 taxi owners, in addition to which we work with more than 400 subcontract taxi drivers.

We take our social responsibilities seriously and use environmentally friendly cars, including no less than 60 hybrid cars in our fleet. For the last 20 years, we have been providing our services at the Sziget Festival, one of the most popular music festivals in Europe and perhaps in the world as well!


1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Budapest and I have lived here ever since I was born.

2. If you had to choose, in which city would you prefer to live?
I have been to plenty of cities in the world, but I still think that Budapest is the best!

3. What would you miss if you moved away from Hungary?
First of all, Budapest. I am a provincialist. I know well the city’s past and its development. The city is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its wonderful buildings and history. The ongoing improvements to the city centre also show that we Hungarians can continuously develop architectural masterpieces day after day. I would miss my family, the language and the Hungarian people.

4. What kind of places do you suggest that foreign visitors should definitely see when they come to Hungary?
Budapest, of course, is fabulous. But Hungary also has many other places of beauty and interest. Visitors should start with the sights of Lake Balaton which I also regularly enjoy: then almost all the whole country has to be included on the list; cities such as Szeged, Debrecen, Hortobágy and Sopron. Everybody should also get to know our brilliant bathing waters at Hévíz, Kehida or miracles of Egerszalók. A number of our castles are being renovated in this countryside which should not be missed: Gyula, Eger and Sümeg.

5. What is your favorite meal?
I like every kind of fish from traditional fish soup to the most special gourmet fish dishes. As a keen advocate of gastronomy, I am pleased that Hungarian gastronomy is constantly evolving. Today, everyone can find their favorite Hungarian food, whether it be traditional or the latest culinary creations.

6. What is your favorite sport?
I play tennis twice a week, and I ride a bike from spring to autumn.

7. What is your most favorite place in Hungary?
Siófok. This is my second home. I love the lake, its calmness and the gorgeous views.

8. If you could change jobs, what would you prefer to do?
If I had the chance, I would like to be a judge or prosecutor. I prefer orderliness and I believe in respect for each other in society.

9. Which job would you never do?
A medical Doctor!

10. Where did you spend your last holiday?
In Siófok.

11. Where do you want to spend your next holiday?
I am going to Lake Balaton and I am also planning a short holiday abroad, maybe in Brussels.

12. What was your favorite band/movie/hobby in your youth?
I had lots of favorite, especially the Hungarian bands. I also liked the Beatles. When I was a child I collected old coins.

13. What temptation can you not resist?
Aside from other temptations, I am unable to resist my dog’s loyalty and fondness for me. Unfortunately, she is now 15 years old - quite old for a dog.

14. White or red wine?
White, although I know that experts tend to denigrate it, but I personally prefer drinking half-dry white wines

15. Book or movie?
Movies nowadays. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time for reading.

16. Are you morning or night person?
I always feel freshest in the mornings, but I also like evenings as well because there are no e-mails and phone calls at that time.

17. Which social issue do you feel most worries about?
The widening gap between the rich and the poor which is nowadays is becoming greater. It is impossible to break out of poverty once you are in it.

18. Buda or Pest side?
As it is often said; working in Pest, living in Buda!

19. Which achievement are you most proud of?
My family, my daughter, my three grandchildren and my job. I am fortunate to have become the leader of one of the largest taxi companies in Budapest, especially as I have recently been re-elected by my colleagues to spend a fourth term in the role as Company Chairman.

20. If you had a personal motto, what would that be?
Any job you have to do, do it the best way you can! It does not matter whether you are a doctor, an attorney or a taxi driver. Always try to provide the best quality you can offer!

Proofread by Paul St. Pierre

 

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