Cabbies furious, passengers delighted

A unionist hit out at the new penalty system, saying it will trigger endless arguments and cause the number of drivers to plummet in the long run.

Motor Transport Workers General Union deputy director Low Shih-cheng told The Standard it is very easy for drivers to be penalized with demerit points despite not intending to break the law.

"For the offense of driving an indirect route, there are usually a few options going from point A to point B," Low said. "If we take the highway, the distance of the trip will be longer, but it is usually faster as there are no traffic lights or congestion as on urban streets."

Most passengers will opt for the longer but less time-consuming route, said Low, who has been a cabbie for 50 years.

"What if an argument breaks out mid-trip - which is not uncommon in Hong Kong - and the passenger suddenly accuses us of taking an indirect route despite agreeing to it earlier?" Low asked. "We drivers have nothing to defend ourselves with as the route we take really is longer."

He said he supports the mandatory installation of a dash camera and in-cabin car recorders "to avoid inconclusive arguments" between drivers and passengers.

"I think drivers can only ask the passengers every time which route they opt for. Also, my advice to all drivers would be to tolerate the frustration, as avoiding confrontations will probably save you a headache," Low said.

He also slammed the government for "double penalizing" them with existing laws and the new system, which might be the last straw given the government's inaction against unlicensed ride-hailing services.

"But the new penalty system may not lead to a significant wave of drivers leaving the industry. I have heard from many drivers that they will not give the new system too much attention," Low said.

"Most taxi drivers are old now. They said they will simply retire if they receive enough demerit points to have their license suspended."

Frequent passengers hailed the new system, saying it might get them better service.

"I think it is reasonable as I sometimes come across drivers who are unfamiliar with routes and refuse fares that are too short," passenger Chan told The Standard. "Drivers don't need to worry about the penalty if they provide good service. As a passenger, I only want the driver to take me to my destination on time and on a comfortable ride."

Passenger Evan, who takes a taxi across the harbor for work in Central every weekday, said: "I think the system will scare those one or two drivers who usually refuse my fare, as well as those who want to charge me five times the normal fare after having drinks with friends at Lan Kwai Fong.

"But I am worried that there will be fewer taxis on the road. I might need to find a new way to get home after my late-night drink."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com