Continuously enhancing service quality of personalised point-to-point transport
*******************************************************************************
The spokesman said, "The TD met with the taxi trade today to exchange views on enhancing taxi service quality and promoting the healthy development of the industry, and reiterated that the Government will continue to combat the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities to safeguard the safety and interests of the public."
Improvement on taxi service
The Government has put forward a series of measures to enhance taxi service quality, including the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system implemented to enhance the deterrent effect of taxi drivers' illegal acts. The Government has also introduced a taxi fleet regime to provide quality services to passengers by the use of systematic management and technology. The five selected taxi fleet operators are working intensively to prepare for the service commencement. It is anticipated that the service commencement will be in place by end-July 2025.
On the other hand, the Government proposes to mandate the installation of in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in all taxi compartments to better protect the rights of passengers. The Government also proposes to mandate all taxi drivers to provide e-payment means. Follow-up work on the legislative exercise of the relevant proposed provisions is underway. The Government hopes to improve the quality of taxi services through a multi-pronged approach of various measures in conjunction with the taxi trade, so that passengers can have a better riding experience.
Regulation of online hailed car platforms
While the Government is open-minded in respect of the use of different communications technologies, including the use of online or mobile applications for obtaining personalised point-to-point transport services through online hailing services, it is imperative to ensure that the passenger transport services supported by the use of platforms concerned comply with the laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding the safety and interests of passengers. The TD is conducting a study on the overall demand and supply of personalised point-to-point transport services. The Government will, after holistically considering the report of the Working Group for Enhancing Personalised Point-to-Point Transport Services under the Transport Advisory Committee and the views and relevant data collected, formulate legislative proposals on the regulation of online car hailing platforms, vehicles that may provide services complying with the regulations and relevant licensing requirements for the drivers within 2025.
Combating illegal hire car services in accordance with the law
In accordance with section 52(3) of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), if any person or organisation intends to arrange for a private car for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, the car concerned must be issued with a valid hire car permit (HCP), otherwise it is an offence. The TD has again issued letters to the operators to remind them to comply with the relevant legislative provisions. Upon receipt of suspected cases of illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, the TD will refer them to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for follow-up, subject to the actual situation.
The HKPF has been taking enforcement actions against illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward through gathering intelligence via different channels. If there is sufficient evidence proving suspected vehicles without a valid HCP being used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, the HKPF will immediately take appropriate enforcement actions. The HKPF will continue to allocate appropriate resources to step up enforcement actions against illegal carriage of passengers for reward to protect the safety of passengers and road users.
Identify hire car permits for risk-free travel
The spokesman reminds members of the public who intend to use hire car service to enquire with the service operator or make use of the TD's online checking system (www.gov.hk/hirecarpermit) to ensure the private car concerned has been issued with a valid HCP before the journey starts.
The TD stressed that using illegal hire car services can put passengers at risk, as the vehicle's third party insurance may be invalid in case of a traffic accident. The public may refer to the TD's thematic webpage on Hire Car Permit for details.
Ends/Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:40
Issued at HKT 21:40
NNNN