City welcomes new taxis amid ongoing shortage

Macau has introduced 50 new black taxis to its streets, a modest step towards addressing the city’s significant taxi shortage.

With tourism rebounding post-Covid-19, the demand for cabs has surged, making the need for additional vehicles critical.

The new fleet, operated by Macau Yip Kai Kou Taxi Co., Ltd., includes the seven-seat Honda Stepwgn models, to accommodate larger groups.

The company has successfully completed all government approval procedures and will provide light taxi passenger transport services for eight years starting Aug. 23. This fleet includes 45 ordinary vehicles that are now officially in operation.

The introduction of these new fleet additions received support from various government departments during the preparation process, especially from the Transportation Affairs Bureau (DSAT), which provided operational guidance.

All drivers of the new taxis have completed the necessary training, and the vehicles are equipped with multiple electronic payment options.

Notably, five of the new taxis are barrier-free, catering to passengers with mobility challenges.

Those in need of these specialized vehicles can book them via a designated hotline, 6375-0099, with an additional customer service hotline at 6375-0088.

The Transport Bureau’s initiative to issue new taxi licenses aims to alleviate the pressure on Macau’s transportation system, especially as ride-hailing services like Uber remain banned.

As of June 30, 2024, Macau had 1,127 regular black taxis, a number that is insufficient to meet the growing needs of residents and tourists alike.

An additional 400 taxis are expected to join the fleet in the coming months, pending formalities. Nadia Shaw