Taxi fares in Hong Kong are nearly 50 percent higher than in Singapore, where passengers can choose between traditional taxis and private hire cars, Sing Tao Daily has observed.
The Singapore government updated its regulatory framework in October 2020 to establish a licensing system that legalized ride-hailing services, responding to the growing demand for personalized point-to-point transportation services.
There are seven ride-hailing platforms in Singapore, including well-known services like Grab and TADA.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) allows licensed PHCs to operate, which are easily identifiable by blue stickers on their windshields and rear windows. Fares must be clearly displayed before passengers book a ride.
Meanwhile, Singapore's taxis are categorized as either "Standard" or "Premium”, operated by four different companies.
The starting fare for Standard taxis is SG$4.4 (HK$26) while Premium taxis start at SG$5 (HK$29.6).
For Standard taxis, the charge for the first ten kilometers is about HK$ 1.54 for every 400 meters or for every 45 seconds of waiting time.
Additional surcharges apply during peak hours and late-night rides, with maximum fees of SG$ 8.00 ( HK$47) for trips to busy areas like the city center or Changi Airport.
In contrast, Hong Kong taxi fares increased last year, with some cabbies claiming that the city’s taxis are the cheapest in the world.
A ride from Wong Tai Sin to Tseung Kwan O, covering 13.98 kilometers in 23 minutes, cost HK$142 while a comparable taxi ride in Singapore took 24 minutes over 15.7km, costing about HK$98, including a 25 percent peak surcharge, totaling approximately HK$136.
Hong Kong ranks 44th in taxi fares among 95 countries, charging about $1.28 per kilometer, while Singapore ranks 70th at $0.74 per kilometer, according to a global database, Numbeo.
Ayra Wang
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