Water taxis offer options and can include existing transport operators

The discussion over the concept of water taxis is an encouraging sign the Hong Kong community is reconnecting with the water, our fabulous 1,000 kilometres of mostly natural shorelines and many islands.

Water taxis have always existed in Hong Kong, and many are operating today under different names.

Unregulated walla-wallas can be hailed or called almost anywhere for trips to beaches and vessels, around typhoon shelters, to take late-night revellers home to Lamma from Aberdeen, or to go fishing under the Island Eastern Corridor.

In Aberdeen, Stanley, Shau Kei Wan, Sai Kung and other places, larger craft can be chartered on the spot to go fishing on open water. Launches with powerful engines for 10-15 people can be seen shuttling crew and visitors between shore and vessels on Victoria Harbour. You can charter these by phone for one hour minimum. Many are now employed for construction projects around the harbour.

Kaido - ferry services without a fixed schedule and multiple stops - are operating as a cross between taxi and minibus from various piers. Why are water taxis different from the existing services?

We have yet to see the proposals, but there must be: regulation of the quality of vessels and captains; the right to wait at public piers for passengers; and the right to carry fare-paying passengers.