229 Taxi Drivers Penalized Under Demerit System Since 2024, Over Half for Refusal Cases
On.cc · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Transport and Logistics Bureau revealed that 229 taxi drivers have been penalized under the demerit point system implemented on September 22, 2024, with over half of the violations involving refusal to carry passengers. Three drivers have lost their licenses while the government faces pressure to improve taxi services in the New Territories. A total of 5,944 complaints were received while legislators proposed setting up designated red taxi stands to address passenger grievances.
Key Points
- The taxi driver demerit point system covers 11 serious violations, with refusal to carry passengers resulting in the maximum 10-point penalty
- Of the 229 drivers penalized, 125 cases (55 percent) involved refusal to carry passengers
- Three drivers were sentenced to have their taxi driving qualifications cancelled for three months after accumulating 15 or more points
- The Transport Department received 5,944 complaints related to taxi drivers and 605 complaints specifically about refusal to carry passengers from 2024 to August 2026
- Hong Kong has over 18,000 registered taxis including 2,838 New Territories taxis serving remote rural areas
Why It Matters
The high proportion of refusal cases highlights persistent service quality issues in Hong Kong's taxi industry despite the demerit system. The government plans to expand New Territories taxi operating areas to include the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the newly opened Huanggang Port, while also regulating ride-hailing platforms to foster healthy competition with traditional taxis .
The high proportion of refusal cases highlights persistent service quality issues in Hong Kong's taxi industry despite the demerit system. The government plans to expand New Territories taxi operating areas to include the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the newly opened Huanggang Port, while also regulating ride-hailing platforms to foster healthy competition with traditional taxis .