ExplainerWhat is Hong Kong’s new premium taxi scheme and how will it affect passengers?
- Scheme is part of a wider government initiative to better regulate taxi companies, enhance quality of services and improve the reputation of the industry
- Passengers will be able to book and pay online through mobile applications and websites, and CCTV systems will be installed to ‘enhance driving safety’
Fifteen applicants are vying for five “premium taxi” fleet licences in a new scheme introduced by the Hong Kong government to improve the quality of services.
The city faces keener competition in the ride-hailing market, with some previously sceptical industry players making a U-turn to file an application.
1. What are premium taxis?
Premium taxis are part of a wider government initiative to improve “the overall quality of personalised point-to-point transport services”, which will be regulated by the authorities.
The vehicles in these fleets must not be more than three years old when they join and must not be more than 10 years old throughout the licence period.
A mixed fleet servicing New Territories as well Kowloon and Hong Kong Island – that is, both green and red taxis – should consist of 300 to 1,000 premium vehicles, while a fleet servicing New Territories alone should have 100 to 350 premium vehicles.
2. What kind of services can passengers expect?
Passengers will be able to book and pay online through mobile applications and websites. CCTV systems must be installed to “enhance driving safety”, according to the authorities.