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Hong Kong taxis

Rows of taxis outside Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Photo: Eugene Lee

4 Hong Kong cabbies given 10 demerit points for overcharging, refusing hires

City leader says penalties create deterrent effect against misconduct as authorities continue to combat shady practices in industry.

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Hong Kong cabbies not obliged to learn Arabic, minister says after policy address

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Hong Kong police arrest man for allegedly assaulting taxi driver, stealing cab

Letters | Hong Kong’s taxi drivers don’t need pity, but government action

Readers discuss the city’s taxi industry, and the safety of cyclists.

Taxis queuing up for passengers in Kowloon Tong on September 21. Photo: Edmond So

Editorial | Hong Kong taxi driver penalties get off to early start

Within days of new law, city cabby has received maximum demerit points for malpractices.

Hong Kong cabby gets 200 hours of community service for molesting tourist

Defendant pleaded guilty to touching tourist’s thighs after she boarded his taxi on May 30.

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Hong Kong taxi driver gets maximum demerit points for overcharging under new system

Transport authority hands out punishment within first week of implementing penalty system to keep cabbies on their best behaviour.

Authorities launched the Taxi Driver-Offence Points System on September 22. Photo: Edmond So

Call to speed up CCTV installation in Hong Kong taxis after penalty system launch

Industry leader Ng Kwan-sing makes the call after demerit point system aimed at ensuring taxi drivers acted professionally took effect on Sunday.

Hong Kong puts taxi drivers on notice, but will frustrated cabbies simply quit?

City will adopt demerit point system on Sunday, but industry leaders warn ‘unfairly targeted’ drivers may choose to join illegal ride-hailing trade.

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Hong Kong taxi driver, passenger escape serious injury after hitting barriers

Vehicle drifts between lanes on Lung Cheung Road in Wong Tai Sin, coming to stop after colliding with lamp post that snaps and falls.

Dashcam footage captured the taxi when it lost control on a busy main road. Photo: Facebook/Bosco Chu

Editorial | Premium taxis can drive better services throughout industry

New fleets, with higher fares, offer the chance for better passenger experience that hopefully will spur regular cabs and ride-hailing firms – when they are regulated – to follow suit.

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Taxicabs queue up for passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Hong Kong authorities have approved five premium taxi fleet licences as the service set to commence by July 2025. Photo: SCMP / Eugene Lee

Letters | Hong Kong must not mix up ‘check-in’ and ‘in-depth’ tourism

Readers discuss the limits of social media-driven ‘check-in tourism’, the real reason some Hong Kong businesses don’t take digital payments, and breaking up the DSE exam into two.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s new taxi licensing scheme is old wine in new bottles

The licensing overhaul sounds worthy of praise, but won’t win over the public if it’s just for vested interests and holding back Uber.

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Letters | Don’t let ride-hailing services undo Hong Kong’s public transport policy

Readers discuss ride-hailing services’ distortive effect, the city’s nightlife campaign, and the safety of tea bags.

A taxi driver waits for passengers in Tsim Sha Tsui on July 8. Photo: Jelly Tse

Explainer | Hong Kong’s new taxi fleets tell how their services line up on the starting grid

SynCab will hit the roads in September; other four successful bidders for premium taxi services will have to be operating by next July.

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Three of the successful operators have experience in the taxi trade. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong approves 5 taxi fleet licences as service set to start by July 2025

Fleet operators must offer online booking channels, provide e-payment options and install CCTV systems in their cabs.

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Letters | Why mainland China’s ride-hailing economy is a cautionary tale for Hong Kong

Readers discuss the problems posed by ride-hailing platforms, and ways for the West Kowloon Cultural District to generate revenue.

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Opinion | Uber vs taxis: Hong Kong is stuck in a debate from 10 years ago

The government must start reacting to new trends, such as the challenge of robotaxis and flying cars, or risk Hong Kong falling further behind.

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A taxi with the an ad for Uber splashes through water on the street during a rainstorm in Causeway Bay on May 21. While some taxi drivers have signed up for the ride-hailing platform, a large number are opposed to it operating in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong needs separate licensing system for ride-hailing cars: consumer watchdog

Consumer Council’s Gilly Wong says separate system can help pinpoint needs of city’s ride-hailing industry.

Hong Kong taxis raise flag-fall charge; premium cabs may start this year

HK$2 increase takes initial charge to HK$29 for urban taxis, HK$25.50 for those operating in New Territories and HK$24 for Lantau cabs.

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Letters | Hong Kong must improve taxi services and let the market have its say

Readers discuss how the taxi industry can flourish, and the suggestion that the number of ride-hailing platforms be capped.

A taxi overtakes another near a construction site in Central on May 30. Photo: Sun Yeung

Hong Kong urged to let ride-hailing services fairly compete with taxis

Competition Commission says planned regulations on ride-hailing services should ‘encourage innovation’ and ‘provide strong incentives’.

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The antitrust watchdog has called on the government to recognise the importance of ride-hailing services. Photo: Jelly Tse

Uber ‘will be out of the game’ in Hong Kong if it can’t meet requirements: minister

‘In the future, if these platforms fail to meet the basic requirements and conditions, they will be out of the game,’ transport secretary says.

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Editorial | Hong Kong passengers deserve to be given an easier ride

City authorities aim to improve much criticised taxi services and clarify the role of popular ride-hailing concerns such as Uber on road to future.

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Singapore-based ride-hailing service to enter Uber-dominated Hong Kong market

Tada’s CEO says city’s robust economy and dense population presents an ‘immense potential’ for the firm.

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Headquartered and founded in 2018 in the city state, Tada is one of the five ride-hailing platforms licensed by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority. Photo: Handout

Stiffer penalties proposed to curb Hong Kong’s illegal ride-hailing services

Transport and Logistics Bureau says it will also strengthen local taxi services through launch of premium cab fleets next year.

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Some lawmakers have brushed aside concerns that a crackdown on firms such as Uber may reduce the city’s competitiveness. Photo: Felix Wong

Hong Kong ‘unlikely to crack down on Uber’ until premium taxi fleets in action

Lawmakers say government will wait for premium taxis before targeting ride-hailing services, even if platforms regulated.

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Hong Kong police probe taxi driver’s alleged public urination caught on video

Minute-long video sparks intense debate online after it was shared in Facebook community.

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Hong Kong taxis
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hong Kong taxis. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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