‘I was forced to accept the increase’: frustration, concern as fare adjustments for taxi rides in Hong Kong kick in
- Passengers say they are ‘forced to accept’ fare increases, but some acknowledge the adjustments are not as expensive as those for Uber
- Some drivers say the new fare cannot keep up with inflation while others worry rental costs of vehicles will rise
Higher taxi fares in Hong Kong were met with mixed reactions on Sunday, with some passengers expressing frustration at being “forced to accept” the increase, the first in five years.
The minimum charge for rides increased by HK$3 (40 US cents), meaning passengers have to pay at least HK$27 instead of HK$24 for urban taxis, and HK$23.50 and HK$22 respectively for New Territories and Lantau Island ones.
For rides that cost less than HK$93.50, urban taxis will also charge HK$1.90 for every additional 200 metres. For additional distances above HK$93.50, taxis will charge HK$1.30 for every 200 metres.
At a taxi rank outside Kowloon Tong MTR station in the morning, there were significantly more cabs than passengers, leading to many vehicles lining up and waiting.
Some passengers who spoke to the Post said they were frustrated with the fare increase.
A woman surnamed Chan said she did not want fares to increase but was forced to accept the change.
“Taxis are already a relatively expensive type of transport, but I do not have a say in these fare issues. And I was forced to accept the increment,” she said.
A painter surnamed So, who travelled from downtown Ho Man Tin to Kowloon Tong, said she preferred taking a taxi over Uber, as it was less expensive for her short trip, but did not want to see further changes in fares in the coming years.
