Smooth operations on taxi e-payment mandate's 1st-day operations
發佈日期: 2026-04-01 20:15
TVB News
Starting today, taxis must accept at least two forms of e-payment. The Transport Department says the mandate's first-day rollout has been smooth so far.
At the taxi stand near Tsuen Wan West MTR Station, notices have been put up reminding passengers to check which e-payment methods are accepted before boarding.
Under the new mandate, taxis must provide at least two electronic payment options.
One must be QR code-based, such as WeChat Pay HK and Alipay HK, while the other must be non-QR code methods, including Octopus cards, credit cards or FPS.
Without reasonable explanation for failure to comply, taxi drivers could face a maximum fine of 5,000 dollars and six-month imprisonment.
90 percent of Hong Kong's taxi drivers are said to have installed systems that support e-payment.
Transport Department officers could be seen inspecting implementation. Also on the ground this morning was Commissioner for Transport Winnie Tse.
Passengers interviewed say payment becomes much more convenient, eliminating the need to handle cash or wait for change.
Some taxi drivers welcome the change, saying quicker transactions allow more trips and boost business.
But not all cabbies are convinced. This driver says he did not feel much difference, adding that while the industry must comply with government requirements, some tourists may still prefer paying with cash.
The Transport Department says overall operations have been smooth on the first day but many taxis still haven't put up notices, listing accepted e-payment methods.
Commissioner for Transport WINNIE TSE: "Public transport is the backbone of our transport system in Hong Kong. So I expect to work very closely with our public transport operators as well as cross-boundary transport operators, so as to enhance the service and to keep our public transport number one -- the very good reputation."
Tse adds that payment platform stickers are provided free of charge so more efforts will be made to educate drivers.
Addressing concerns about weaker network signals at boundary taxi stands which could affect e-payments, Tse says government Wi-Fi services are available and she believes the issue won't be significant.
