Taxi fleets aim to modernize taxi service with 'quality and flexibility': transport chief

Hong Kong’s five new taxi fleets, set to roll out starting the end of this month, aim to modernize the city’s taxi services with a focus on quality, technology and flexibility, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said.

On a radio program on Sunday, Chan said that the fleets, unlike traditional taxis divided by districts, will encourage operators to build their own brands and cater to diverse passenger needs.

“Taxi fleet must keep up with the times and meet the evolving travel demands of citizens,” she said.

The fleets will feature three key characteristics – professional management, technology adoption, and well-trained drivers.

Chan highlighted that each fleet will establish an online booking platform, allowing passengers to rate drivers and fleet managers will monitor driver performance using in-vehicle systems to ensure safe driving and quality service.

Regarding pricing, fleets will offer both metered fares and flat-rate “chartered” options, which Chan said aim to provide flexibility while ensuring reasonable and regulated prices.

Chan added that the fleets will also include six-seater taxis with extra space for luggage or wheelchairs, catering to airport and cross-border passengers. 

The Transport Department has reserved parking spaces at 13 locations, including the airport, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, and cruise terminals, for fleet taxis to pick up passengers.

(Ayra Wang)