Hong Kong’s taxi industry has had its challenges over the recent months, impacting both drivers and passengers, with increase in fares, the rollout of a demerit point system, and the closer of a popular and long-standing local taxi-hailing app (HKTaxi) in favor of alternative ride-hailing services. The government is addressing these barriers by introducing five new fleet operators to the city, in hopes to revitalize the taxi standards and rebuild consumer faith and satisfaction in local taxis.
With over 3500 taxis in the initial fleet, managed by Tai Wo Management is expected to start operation this month, and the remaining four to follow and launch servicing by late July.
The city’s existing taxis have always been easily recognised by their distinctive color-coded system, with red operating in urban areas (Hong Kong Island and Kowloon), green ones for New Territories and blue serving Lantau Island passengers. Looking to the future, we will expect to see a range of new colours brightening up Hong Kong.
New taxi operators and colors:
Amigo: Bright fuchsia pink
Big Bee: Yellow and orange
Joie: Deep orange
Big Boss: Standard red, black
SynCab: White and red
The new fleets come equipped with key improvements, including in-vehicle dash cams for passenger safety and dispute resolution; as well as electronic payment systems accepting most major credit cards, Octopus, Alipay, WeChat Pay. These upgrades also support the government initiatives for green transport through the expansion of thousands of electric taxis (hybrid, fully electric). These improvements will provide cleaner and safer journeys, helping Hong Kong to achieve its environmental goals.
Hop on ride in one of these new vibrant taxis, which colour taxi will you be flagging down next?
