Mixed reactions as HK approves taxi fare increase amid debates over affordability and service quality

People are divided over the authorities' move to approve an increase in taxi fares, with some saying the rise is affordable and others complaining about poor taxi services.

The Executive Council has approved a HK$2 increase in flagfalls, meaning from July 14, the starting fares will be HK$29 for urban taxis, HK$25.5 for New Territories cabs, and HK$24 for Lantau taxis. Incremental charges will also rise.

A student RTHK spoke to in Kowloon Tong said the fare increase is acceptable. However, he acknowledged that frequent taxi users may not be happy.

"I am not a frequent user, so I think it is still affordable. But some people may travel quite frequently in taxis. This may be a consideration for them," he said.

A mother who often takes her children by taxi thinks taxi drivers deserve a higher income for their hard work.

"I don't think it's a big deal. I think they deserve more money because they work very hard and long hours. Life has become more expensive, so we have also to expect that this increase needs to happen for the drivers, right?" she said.

A passenger said that taxi drivers should improve their services before they are allowed to increase their fares.

"The price is a bit high considering their performance. The taxi service is so bad in Hong Kong. Nowadays, we don't have a way to reflect the performance of the taxi drivers. If they behave badly, we don't have a way to complain," he said.

A taxi driver said he's worried that the fare hike could further drop passenger numbers.

"My concern is that if fares increase, we might see a drop in the number of passengers. Business is already tough, especially during the evening shift when fewer people go out."

However, another taxi driver believes passengers will find the fare increase acceptable.

"I think it's a reasonable increase. Passengers will eventually get used to it. Considering inflation, a slight rise in taxi fares should be acceptable to them," he said.

(Source: RTHK)