TO HELP relief efforts in Sichuan Province, transport operator ComfortDelGro has contributed a bus, three mini-buses and 35 taxis.

The company's buses, working with the Qing Yang district government, have started taking supplies to the worst-hit areas and bringing the wounded back.

In an e-mail to The New Paper, MsTammy Tan, ComfortDelGro's spokesman, said that the company's taxis have also been taking blankets, clothing, foodstuff and drinks to cities Ya An, Le Shan and Ji Fang.

ComfortDelGro's driving school in Chengdu has also been designated as a resource collection and distribution centre.

It will collect food, clothing, medical supplies and other relief items, sort them out and re-distribute them to those in need.

HELP FROM FAR AWAY

Mr Li Chun Ming, 44, a taxi driver in China who has been involved in the relief efforts, said: 'We are proud to be from ComfortDelGro which has extended so much help despite its headquarters being in Singapore. It is heartwarming to know that they care even for people that they do not know in a country that is so far away.'

ComfortDelGro currently operates in seven countries around the world, including China. The company is the largest foreign land transport operator in China, with businesses in 14 cities, including Chengdu.

In Chengdu, the company operates the broadest range of land transport services outside of Singapore, which includes a fleet of 250 taxis and 83 rental vehicles.

Chengdu ComfortDelGro Qing Yang Driving School is the company's first overseas driving school. With a fleet of 185 training vehicles and a training area of more than 15 hectares, it is the largest driving school in the city.

None of their operations were affected by the earthquake.

ComfortDelGro has close to 800 staff in Sichuan Province.

The company, its staff and taxi drivers will also be donating money to the relief fund.

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 17, 2008.