TAC briefed on proposed installation of camera systems and provision of electronic payment means in taxis

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (December 17) by the Government on the proposed mandatory installation of camera systems in taxi compartments and provision of electronic payment (e-payment) means by taxi drivers to enhance the overall quality of taxi services.

     In recent years, there has been strong public demand for quality taxi services, as well as public aspirations for the Government to leverage technology and roll out more measures to further enhance the overall quality of taxi services and step up efforts in combating the malpractices of individual taxi drivers. In this connection, the Government proposes to introduce legislative amendments to mandate the installation of in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems (Camera System proposal) in all taxi compartments, and to mandate all taxi drivers to provide e-payment means (E-payment proposal).

     The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members support the Camera System proposal, which will better safeguard the interests of taxi drivers and passengers in cases of disputes and enhance driving safety for taxis. Members also support the E-payment proposal, which will provide passengers, particularly tourists, with more payment options to meet the increasingly popular trend of e-payment. The TAC believes that these two measures will be conducive to enhancing the overall quality and image of taxi services, thereby gradually improving the prospects for the development of the trade."