The Lens: Can Hong Kong find the right digital balance as e-payments become the norm?

Jeffery Co Chun-lok, 17, Hong Kong Tang King Po College

E-payments are now an integral part of our lives. This has sparked a debate on whether cashless payments should be extended to taxi services.

While it offers several benefits, some challenges also arise, particularly for older drivers. They may find it difficult to adapt to new payment methods due to visual issues and concerns about potential internet connection failures or payment malfunctions.

When it comes to charging extra fees for e-payments in taxis, fairness is key. Suppose a taxi company offers additional services or benefits, such as real-time tracking, loyalty programmes, and e-payments.

However, transparent communication plays a vital role in this regard. Taxi companies should clearly inform passengers about any extra fees associated with e-payment methods upfront, allowing us to make an informed choice.

To improve taxi services in Hong Kong, I would focus on addressing the availability of taxis during peak hours, in high-demand areas and in situations where the MTR’s efficiency is compromised.

It would be beneficial to implement systems to coordinate taxis during MTR breakdowns or service disruptions. This is particularly important because the demand for taxis tends to rise when the MTR – a primary public transport system – experiences any kind of issues.

By implementing protocols that allow for efficient dispatching and deployment of taxis to affected areas, we alleviate the transport burden on commuters and also enhance the overall travel experience for residents and tourists.

Read more about last week’s issue

Taylor Swift is taking legal action against a US college student who frequently tracks the private jets of celebrities and posts details of their travels online.

Jack Sweeney, a student at the University of Central Florida, received a cease-and-desist letter in December alleging he “engaged in stalking and harassing behaviour” by publishing “real-time and precise information” about the singer’s whereabouts.

Sweeney published details about Swift’s flights on his @taylorswiftjets social media pages. “Ms Swift has dealt with stalkers and other individuals who wish her harm since she was a teenager,” said the letter.

The cease-and-desist letter requested that Sweeney put his @taylorswiftjets to rest, alleging that his account provided people seeking to harm Swift a “road map to carry out their plans”.

Sweeney’s jet-tracking was already a headache for Swift in July of 2022, after a study by the Yard, citing @CelebJets, listed Swift as the top celebrity “offender” when it comes to private jet carbon dioxide emissions.

The 2022 report said Swift’s 170 flights on her private plane emitted approximately 9,142 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Swift, who previously owned two personal planes, is reportedly now down to one.

The Washington Post reported that Sweeney’s accounts draw from public data from the Federal Aviation Administration and “volunteer hobbyists who can track the aircraft via the signals they broadcast”.

Sweeney’s legal representative, lawyer James Slater said his client’s account posed “no threat” to Swift and her safety.

“This isn’t about putting a GPS tracker on someone and invading their privacy. It’s using public information to track the jet of a public figure,” Slater said.
Tribune News Service

• Do you think Sweeney deserves punishment for his actions?

• Do celebrities have lesser privacy rights given that they are public figures?

• Should private jet owners be held responsible for high carbon dioxide emissions?