The Chief Executive, John Lee, meets reporters before attending the Executive Council meeting today (May 20). Responding to the issue of the cab trade and illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward (commonly known as "pak pai" service), Lee pointed out that there are many negative comments and opinions about cab service, and the cab trade must pay attention to them and improve the quality of service.
Lee reiterated his four-point stance:
Firstly, there are many negative comments and opinions about cab service, and the cab trade must take them seriously and improve the quality of service. He pointed out that the cab fleet system is an important part of service enhancement. Through effective fleet management, the overall service standard of cabs can be raised. At present, a fleet of taxis has already commenced initial operation with positive feedback from passengers. Therefore, the implementation of the fleet system should be expedited and practically enforced. He said that he had seen many cab drivers with good attitude but there were also complaints about the service of individual drivers. Apart from the government's handling of the matter in accordance with the law and the mechanism, the drivers themselves should also improve themselves so that the behavior of a few would not affect the majority of cab drivers who are interested in improving their services.
Secondly, it is necessary to crack down on illegal "pak pai" services, especially those that have not taken out the necessary insurance. He pointed out that over the past few months, the police had arrested more than 30 drivers of"pak pai" services suspected of operating illegally. The police will continue to combat illegal "pak pai" services in accordance with the law.
Thirdly, legislation should be enacted to regulate online booking platforms. He stressed that online booking platforms must be licensed and have the responsibility to ensure that their drivers meet the legal requirements, including taking out the necessary insurance. The Transport and Logistics Bureau has commenced the relevant legal study, which will be completed as soon as possible and consultation will be launched to strive for early enactment of legislation.
Fourthly, the current-term government is determined to reform the problems that have accumulated over the years and regulate point-to-point vehicle services through legislation, including upgrading the quality of cab and legalizing Internet vehicle services. He pointed out that the trade should put forward their views rationally to avoid the issue being misled or hijacked. He emphasized that rational views would help the Transport and Logistics Bureau to fully take on board the proposals, which would be conducive to the consultation exercise and the scrutiny by the Legislative Council, with a view to formulating a legal system and an enforcement mechanism for the regulation of point-to-point vehicle services.
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