The Secretary for Transport on Saturday said the government will actively assist the new premium taxi fleets to make sure all five of them are fully operational by the end of July.

The five operators, which now have conditional licences, will each be granted an official five-year licence by that time.

So far, two fleets have begun operating on a trial basis.

Mable Chan told a television programme that the public hopes the taxi fleets can be launched soon.

"These taxi fleets play a leading role. Therefore, we will be actively assisting and monitoring them," she said.

"We hope that they can begin operation as scheduled and fulfil the licensing terms to serve everyone as soon as possible."

She said drivers and fleet operators do not necessarily have to be in a formal employment relationship.

The minister also said the government is liaising with online ride-hailing platforms to help organise one to help residents to book taxis from the fleets.

The government has reserved 80 stopping spots at 13 taxi ranks, including at border checkpoints, the airport and the West Kowloon high-speed rail station, Chan added.