Driver shortage looms as Macau prepares 700 new taxis

[Photo: Renato Marques]

A new batch of 700 taxis will be rolled out in phases from the second to the third quarter of next year, with the industry estimating that more than 2,000 additional drivers will need to be hired, though concerns remain about drivers’ welfare and pay.

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) has awarded 14 eight-year light taxi passenger transport licenses for 700 vehicles following a public tender.

Each winning company can apply for licenses for up to 50 taxis. The vehicles must be six-seat or larger hybrid or clean-energy cars and must accept electronic payment.

Each license must provide at least two taxis equipped to carry passengers with mobility difficulties.

The new batch of 700 taxis is expected to enter service in phases from the second to the third quarter of next year. As of June 30, Macau had 1,303 ordinary taxis and 200 special taxis.

The new taxi license tender documents stipulate that drivers are protected under the Labor Relations Law, but concerns remain that current conditions may not attract new drivers. Industry veterans note that “many of the old drivers are retiring,” and the industry hopes the government will strengthen supervision to ensure bidders honor the tender commitments and safeguard drivers’ welfare and pay. 

“With a good income environment, I think every driver would treasure this job and service would improve,” said Tony Kuok, chairman of the Macau Taxi Driver Mutual Association.

According to the authorities, 47 bids were received for the public tender, of which 46 were accepted, with license prices ranging from MOP2.5 million to MOP6.23 million.

The 14 winning companies bid between MOP5.1 million and MOP6.032 million, higher than the top bid of MOP3.8 million in the 2023 tender.

Speaking to public broadcaster TDM, lawmaker Ngan Iek Hang said the government needs to accelerate the rollout of the new taxis and collect operational data to develop short-, medium-, and long-term taxi plans as soon as possible.

“Their passenger-carrying situations, including empty-running rates, and the pick-up and drop-off conditions in different districts. We hope there can be a more comprehensive survey on this to plan for the short, medium, and long term for the travel of residents and visitors,” he reportedly said.