All taxi drivers will be obliged to have air conditioning in their cabs and price lists in English and Greek by this fall, according to changes announced yesterday by Transport Minister Costis Hatzidakis, who also heralded a scheme that will allow taxis to be ordered by cell phone text message.

The cabbies will not be allowed to charge extra for offering vehicles with air conditioning, Hatzidakis said.

As for the text message initiative, it will come into effect by the end of the year, the minister said.

Hatzidakis also heralded the creation of a four-digit phone line, due to be operational by year end, that passengers will be able to call to report poor service.

Also new taxi ranks will be set up at key spots - near hospitals and metro stations - to faciliate commuters.