New taxi fleet starts its service on Monday evening
發佈日期: 2025-03-31 19:30
TVB News
The new taxi fleet Joie will begin operating this evening. Joie's operator, Tai Wo Management, says 200 taxis will be initially be available during its trial run. Joie is one of five new taxi fleets that received licenses from the government last July.
These deep orange vehicles are Joie taxis, a mix of hybrid, electric and wheelchair accessible cars. Starting on Monday evening, people can ride in the new vehicles by booking them on the company's taxi app.
While the fleet consists of 800 vehicles, its operator, Tai Wo Management, said only 200 would hit the road during the first phase of the trial operation.
Joie's management company said they are in the process of recruiting drivers for the fleet. Fleet drivers will receive monthly base salaries, but additional money they earn from rides will need to be given to the company. However, drivers can accept orders from other taxi platforms.
The government earlier said the purpose of introducing new fleets was to improve the taxi industry's service quality.
Chow Kwok-Keung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, said it would be difficult to change the industry's working style. He said most fleet drivers are from the traditional taxi industry and may not like the new rules imposed on them, including the requirement of wearing uniforms.
The Transport Department issued conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet license to five fleets in July last year.
Fleet operators must launch their service within one year of that date.
After the launch,the conditional grant will become a Taxi Fleet License valid for five years.
