The Transport Department on Sunday urged taxi drivers who have not yet installed electronic payment methods in their cabs to install and familiarise themselves with the payments systems as soon as possible.

Taxi drivers will be required to provide passengers at least two types of electronic payment choices from April 1.

According to the department, the two electronic payment means must comprise one QR code electronic payment and one non-QR code electronic payment medium, such as Octopus, credit cards or fast payment system.

"The new requirement aims to leverage the use of electronic technology to further enhance the overall quality of taxi services," a department spokesperson said.

"Different types of e-payment means can provide convenience to passengers, especially tourists, in settling fares, cater to their different needs, and improve the operational efficiency of the taxi trade at the same time."

Drivers can choose the electronic payment medium according to their operational needs.

They are also required to post stickers on the cab's windows to display the provided electronic payment for identification by passengers.

Passengers can also continue to pay in cash if they want.

If drivers fail to provide an electronic payment method without a reasonable excuse, they may be fined up to HK$5,000 and imprisoned for six months.

Passengers may also call the government hotline 1823 or 2889-9999 for the department's Transport Complaints Unit if drivers fail to provide e-payment choices from April.

The Transport Department said it has launched measures to step up publicity and public education for major electronic payment platforms and the taxi industry since August last year.

They include briefing taxi drivers on the legal requirements, organising more than 20 workshops and 11 taxi stand outreach activities.

So far, about 1,900 drivers have participated in the workshops.


Edited by Tony Sabine