Overcharging cabbie feels sting of demerit system

Marcus Lum

The taxi driver demerit points system has made its first impact, with a driver receiving 10 points for overcharging a passenger.

The new Taxi-Driver-Offence Points Ordinance, which came into effect on September 22, covers 11 taxi-related offenses, including overcharging fares, taking detours, and refusing rides, among others.

The system categorizes these offenses into three layers based on their seriousness, assigning 10, five, and three penalty points, respectively.

Taxi drivers who incur 10 points must take a self-paid service improvement course within a specified period. Otherwise, they may face a fine of HK$5,000 and a month of imprisonment.

Also, drivers who accrue 15 points or more will have their taxi driving licenses revoked.

For a first-time license revocation, drivers will receive a three-month ban, while any subsequent revocations will result in a six-month ban each time.

The Transport Department said that last Friday, a taxi driver was convicted of offenses under the Ordinance, including overcharging, detouring, and failing to place the taxi meter correctly.

The driver incurred a maximum of 10 points under the demerit points system and was required to take a self-paid service improvement course, the Transport Department said.

Taxi unionist Chow Kwok-keung said this policy acts as a "sharp knife" hanging over taxi drivers' heads, and urged passengers to avoid being overly picky or intentionally provoking drivers. While Chow said it is important to monitor taxi drivers properly, he also believes the measures are too "harsh" and stringent.

"Properly regulating drivers is not wrong, and serious cases should receive no acceptance and zero tolerance," Chow said. "But the demerit point system has brought immense pressure to taxi drivers."

Chow also said there was zero tolerance for "black taxis."

He added Hong Kong drivers' incomes are already relatively low compared to surrounding regions and called for stronger actions against illegal cabs to "return a fair working environment for taxi drivers."

Regarding the installation of cameras in taxis, Chow said such recordings could safeguard the rights of both drivers and passengers when disputes arise over complaints.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com