New taxis make moves to curb confusion

Ayra Wang

Hong Kong's new taxi fleets, launching as early as this month, are taking steps to help passengers - especially tourists - easily identify their vehicles and avoid confusion.

The five licensed fleets feature such colors as pink, orange, black, and gradient red-yellow designs - a departure from the traditional red, green, and blue color-coding for urban, the New Territories and Lantau taxis.

This has sparked concerns about passenger recognition and potential mix-ups.

To address the issue, Wong Tai-hoi, general manager of operations for Sino Development - which runs the "Big Bee" fleet - said their gradient red-yellow taxis will feature prominent labels on the front and rear indicating their operating zones.

"The labels will use red, green, or blue rectangular borders, about half the size of an A4 sheet, making it easy for passengers to identify the service area," Wong told The Standard's sister newspaper Sing Tao Daily, adding that his team established a marketing department to promote the fleet and will set up a call center for bookings.

Sonia Cheng Man-yee, executive director of SynCab, another mixed-zone fleet, acknowledged that passengers might need time to adapt to the new designs.

"Breaking away from the traditional taxi image might cause some initial confusion, but our drivers will proactively explain their service areas if passengers have questions," Cheng said.

She noted that her fleet's taxis, which feature traditional red, green, or blue bases with white accents, have been operating without complaints. She added that such confusion would be reduced with the popularity of online ride-hailing services.

The Transport Department requires fleet taxis to display bilingual "taxi" labels on both sides of the cab, along with a fleet identification certificate and license plate.

The government will also promote the fleets through official channels, including the "Hong Kong eTransport" mobile application and the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website, with QR codes for fleet booking services available at the airport and borders.

Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei praised the fleets' potential to modernize the industry but stressed the need for stronger public awareness campaigns, suggesting the use of TV ads, government buildings and social media to promote the fleets.

He also proposed standardizing fleet logos and numbers on vehicles to help passengers report lost items or seek assistance.

Ryan Wong Cheuk-pong, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi Council, expressed confidence that the government would step up promotions at key locations such as airports and border crossings.

He downplayed concerns about passenger confusion and dismissed worries of drivers prioritizing online bookings for higher fares.

"Fleet platforms will adjust prices based on demand, potentially offering lower rates during off-peak hours," Wong said. "With fleets being publicly accountable, issues like refusal of service won't be tolerated."