The Transport Department today iterated that the Government will always listen to the views of the taxi trade, as it announced a meeting is being arranged with a view to enhancing service quality in the sector.
The department stressed that the Government’s policy objectives are clear: taxi services must be improved; online car hailing platforms must be regulated; and illegal hire car services must be combated in accordance with the law.
It added that the Government will maintain liaison with the taxi trade, joining hands to work on enhancements. In recent years, the Government has enacted various measures, including introducing systematic management and technology under the taxi fleet regime, a Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system, and a two-tier penalty system.
The department said that while the Government is open-minded on the use of online or mobile applications to obtain personalised point-to-point transport services, it is imperative to ensure that passenger transport services supported by the use of such platforms comply with laws and regulations.
The Government will this year formulate legislative proposals for the regulation of online car hailing platforms, the vehicles that provide associated services, and licensing requirements for drivers.
Police have been gathering intelligence via different channels in relation to the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. If sufficient evidence is discovered that proves vehicles without the necessary permits are being used for such carriage, Police will take appropriate enforcement actions.
The Government is studying further improvements to the relevant legislation to strengthen efforts to combat illegal carriage, including disqualifying the drivers concerned.
Where sufficient evidence is available to show that a vehicle has been involved in the offence of illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, it may be impounded even if the identity of the driver cannot be confirmed.
