Taxi Drivers Mulling Fare Increase Of Up To HK$10

Urban taxis drivers are being consulted on a new plan to raise fares by up to 42 percent, which would take the flag fall from HK$24 to HK$34.

However, the government has poured cold water on the proposal even before it has been formally submitted, saying it’s still looking at a previous fare increase proposal made by the trade in 2018.

The Taxi and Public Light Bus Association said it is asking drivers to choose from between three proposals, to raise the minimum cost for a ride on an urban red taxi by HK$6, HK$8, or HK$10 to cover rising costs.

For now, it says more members support an increase of HK$6 or HK$8, and expects to make a formal application to the Transport Department in the coming weeks.

The group said it hopes the government will approve this as soon as possible.

IThe association says it understands that while passengers may think a fare hike would increase their own financial burden, the last time taxi fares went up was in 2017 and it’s time for another adjustment.

But the Transport Department said in response that officials are still reviewing the 2018 fare increase application to raise flag fall from HK$24 to HK$30 – without specifying how it would deal with a new application.

A spokesman explained that the process is taking longer than expected because they also need to take into consideration the impact of the recent social unrest and coronavirus pandemic, among other factors.