Taxi demerit system records 229 drivers penalised since 2024
Hong Kong's taxi driver demerit system has penalised 229 drivers since September 2024, with three banned for three months. The Transport Department received 5,944 complaints, and the government will review New Territories taxi service areas, including expansion to bridge and border checkpoints.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau said 229 taxi drivers have been penalised under the demerit system since it took effect on 22 September 2024, with 125 cases involving refusal of hire. Three drivers who accumulated 15 or more points have been disqualified from driving taxis for three months.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan reported the figures in the Legislative Council on 14 October, responding to a lawmaker's question. She said the Transport Department received 5,944 complaints related to taxi drivers between the system's launch and August, including 605 cases of refusal of hire.
The department investigates each complaint and may refer cases to law enforcement depending on their nature. It also writes to vehicle owners or drivers to seek explanations, reminding them to comply with regulations and maintain proper service attitudes.
DAB lawmaker Yip Au-tung raised concerns about rising point-to-point transport demand in the New Territories, asking whether the government would review the number of taxi licences or improve service arrangements between urban and New Territories taxis.
Chan said the government will continue optimising New Territories taxi operations, including reviewing their service areas in response to changing demand and the development of new areas such as the Northern Metropolis. She mentioned potential expansion of New Territories taxi service areas to cover the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and the newly opened Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area.