Editorial | Taxi trip into new Hong Kong era to begin at long last
City’s much criticised cab industry told to install electronic payment and navigation systems, plus dashboard and surveillance cameras
Finally, Hong Kong’s taxi fleet has been ordered to get into the 21st century. The Transport Department is requiring all drivers to install electronic payment and navigation systems, dashboard and surveillance cameras over the next two years to help improve the quality of service.
The long overdue payment systems are due in place by the end of next year, while the surveillance measures are required by the end of 2026.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau said the in-car cameras and global positioning systems, along with the ability to make e-payments, were aimed at enhancing the quality of service for the much-maligned industry. Drivers are being asked to include at least two electronic payment options, including one QR code method – such as AlipayHK, WeChat Pay HK or BOC Pay – and one without QR codes, like Octopus, credit cards or the Faster Payment System.
The fleet of 18,163 red urban, green New Territories and blue Lantau taxis has been under pressure from ride-hailing firms like Uber, which offer service on demand, take e-payments and have nicer vehicles. The city is also introducing a premium taxi service of five fleets that will add another 3,500 more vehicles.
Poor service has been a nagging concern. Passengers regularly complain about being ignored by drivers, price gouging on late weekend nights and shabby vehicles.
