More Hong Kong taxis to accept cashless payments starting April, but passengers may have to pay extra in future
- New system linking meter to e-payment modes will be tested under pilot phase, developers say
- Passengers will be given multiple options for e-payment and taxi drivers will be able to retrieve their earnings electronically
More Hong Kong taxis will start accepting cashless payments as a fare settlement system will be available as early as April under a trial scheme, but passengers using the service may have to pay an extra fee in the future.
Developers of the “CabCab” meter, which cost at least HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) and was financed by the Innovation and Technology Fund, on Wednesday said it would be tested on 100 red and green taxis under a pilot scheme in March, before accepting cashless payments as early as April.
One-thousand taxis will be equipped with the technology, which links the cab meter to e-payment systems, by the third quarter of the year, according to the developers.
“A locally-developed system would work best for the local market and in addressing the needs of the drivers and passengers,” said Sam Hui Kin-sang, the chief executive officer of CabCab, adding that it would be easier to maintain and upgrade because of the system’s local roots.
The new technology will provide passengers with multiple options for e-payment and taxi drivers will be able to retrieve their earnings electronically at the end of their workday.