Transport chief urges taxi trade to ‘up their game’ after fare increase

Transport minister Lam Sai-hung said the government approved the taxi fare increases for the continuous development of the trade but at the same time urged cabbies to step up their services to live up to the public’s expectations after the price hikes.

Lam’s remarks came on a Saturday radio program as he pointed out that the average monthly income of cabbies ranges about HK$17,000 to HK$20,000 nowadays and it is less than the figure logged in 2019 after canceling out inflation.

He believes this wouldn’t benefit the development of the trade in the long run and noted that the government approved the fare hikes with the goal of allowing taxi owners and drivers to maintain their finances.

The public’s affordability as well as rising gas prices, insurance fees and other operation costs were taken into account, Lam added.

He continued that he understands citizens sometimes encounter unpleasant experiences like cabbies refusing the hire but stressed that such incidents only involve a tiny number of “bad apples”.

“The industry must change now. [Otherwise], the trade will perform worse and citizens’ will have less faith,” Lam said.

Authorities have rolled out a number of measures last year to enhance services of the trade, like establishing a point-deduction mechanism to punish drivers in breach of regulations, Lam said.

He further said the government has introduced the taxi fleet regime and applications as the five licenses will close by the end of this month.

He expects the licenses to be issued by mid-year and the fleets can be introduced within one year, with each having over 300 urban taxis and over 100 New Territories taxis. The taxis must also accept electronic payments, provide in-car recording facilities, and respond to passenger complaints.

As for online ride-hailing services, Lam said authorities hold a rather open attitude but reiterated that the vehicles must be legal and obtain a permit.

The government is now studying how existing legislations can regulate this aspect and hopes to prepare relevant information by mid-year for discussions with the Legislative Council and stakeholders.