Only 1,300 premium taxis are in service in Hong Kong, well below the government's target of 3,500 since the fleets launched in July. Industry players blame unattractive earnings, a lack of charging facilities, and competition from ride-hailing services for the slow rollout. The Transport Department has not commented on revoking licenses for operators failing to meet minimum vehicle requirements by November.
Hong Kong's premium taxi initiative has progressed slowly since its launch. The latest official data shows just 1,300 premium taxis in service across five fleets, one-third of the government's 3,500 target. The Transport Department confirmed the figures on Wednesday but did not say whether it would revoke licenses of operators who failed to meet minimum vehicle requirements by November.
When the new fleets debuted in July, they started with about 1,000 premium taxis, already short of the initial target of 60 percent—or 2,100—of the 3,500 vehicles. About half of the taxis are electric, and some 1,400 drivers have joined the operators.
Industry players attribute the delays to several factors. Hong Kong Taxi Council chairman Chau Kwok-keung pointed to unattractive earnings as a key issue. Smart Mobility Chamber of Commerce chairman Ng Kwan-shing highlighted the lack of charging facilities and intensified competition from ride-hailing services. Among the fleets, Joie has about 500 taxis in service, falling short of its 800-vehicle target.
The scheme aims to improve taxi service quality, but reaching only a third of the goal underscores significant implementation challenges.