Taxi fleet preparation on track, but threshold adjustments premature: Transport Chief

Transport Secretary Mable Chan has dismissed speculation about lowering the 60 percent operational threshold for new taxi fleets, emphasizing it is too early to discuss such changes as five fleets prepare to launch services by July.

Speaking on an RTHK program, Chan confirmed all fleets must deploy at least 60 percent of committed taxis - a benchmark set after extensive stakeholder consultation.

Companies had conducted thorough cost analyses before committing to this requirement, she noted, with many adopting innovative recruitment strategies to attract drivers comfortable with digital bookings.

Chan said the authorities remain flexible in supporting fleets through administrative measures, including potentially granting early access to premium pick-up/drop-off zones at malls and attractions before official launches.

Chan revealed her firsthand experience testing a fleet service, praising a driver's punctuality - arriving 10 minutes early - and vehicles equipped with mandatory GPS, payment and monitoring systems.

While acknowledging fleets' substantial investments - including new electric vehicle purchases and driver recruitment campaigns - Chan declined to speculate about consequences for operators missing deadlines.

She separately confirmed progress on a unified booking platform being developed with third-party tech partners, targeting a synchronized launch with fleet operations.