High hopes for passengers, abuse worries for cabbies as demerit system begins

Michael Shum

A demerit points system for taxi driver offenses has come into effect as passengers and cabbies believe it could enhance service quality in the sector.

Under the new three-tiered system that covers 11 offenses, including overcharging or taking indirect routes, those who accumulate 15 demerit points or more within two years will be barred from driving a cab for three months.

At a taxi stand in Admiralty yesterday, cabbies thought that the points system would not affect them too much, while agreeing that it can help improve service quality.

"I don't think there will be too much of an impact as long as we abide by the rules, right? But I am just worried that the complaint system will be abused, which will only put more pressure on taxi drivers," cabbie Yau said.

Driver Tsang said: "If they want to slap me with demerit points, be my guest, I will still treat my passengers the same. I will not get into any trouble as long as I treat my passengers nicely, right?

"Is there a way for us to complain about the passengers? We should be fair, if they can complain against us, can we also complain about the passengers?"

Passengers, on the other hand, said the system will provide better protection against bad drivers.

"All the taxi drivers I met were pretty good so far, but a friend told me that he was once denied a ride by a taxi driver. I think the new system will help my friend," Choi said.

Another passenger, Cheng, said the system was "much-needed," adding: "Passengers now have a mechanism to help them, which will also hopefully improve the service quality of the sector."

Taxi Dealers and Owners Association chairman Ng Kwan-shing called on authorities to install video-recorders in taxis to protect drivers and passengers.

"Once a complaint is filed, law enforcers will be given the right to watch footage. That would make passengers feel safe taking a cab, while drivers will also be protected when doing business," Ng said. "Multiple measures should be put into place before the entire taxi service can be perfected, instead of solely relying on the demerit points system."

The 11 offenses that affect service quality are categorized into three tiers, with harsher penalties doled out for more serious offenses.

Overcharging, refusing or neglecting a hire, refusing a destination and defacing, damaging, or altering a taximeter are the most serious and carry 10 points.

"Long hauling," deceiving passengers on the proper fare and route and soliciting or permitting another person to enter the taxi without the consent of the hirer draw five demerit points.

Less serious offenses - such as refusing to issue a receipt, refusing to carry the required number of passengers or not setting the taximeter to recording position - carry three points.

Passengers can report malpractice by providing the driver's name and vehicle registration number to the government hotline 1823 or the Transport Complaints Unit.

Once found guilty in court, demerit points will be made against the driver.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com