Two can play this game: Hong Kong taxi drivers to launch luxury fleet and app to take on Uber
A taxi drivers’ group is planning to launch a fleet of 45 luxury taxis to compete in the high-end commuters’ market now served by mobile car hailing services apps.
The Quality Taxi Steering Committee, formed by local taxi drivers, is applying for a subsidy from the Environmental Department to purchase 10 electric-powered luxury taxis.
The taxis can be booked via a smartphone app, in an apparent bid to compete with services provided by apps such as Uber's.
Wong Chi-chung, the committee’s chairman, said today that if their applications are accepted and their services well received, the group would launch up to 35 additional luxury taxis.
“We can help solve environmental problems and at the same time meet the demands of high-end users,” Wong said on a DBC radio programme.
He said that drivers in the new fleet would wear a yellow uniform and be trained in English and Mandarin.
Fares would be set at a lower level than other car-hailing services, Wong said. Taking a ride from Hong Kong International Airport to Happy Valley, for example, would cost around HK$500 – about HK$300 lower than other luxury car-hailing services.
