Gov’t launches awaited public tender for 500 new taxis

The SAR government has launched a public tender for ordinary eight-year taxi licenses for 500 new taxis.

The tender, slated to end Nov. 23, will allow companies to make bids for packs of 10 licenses, with each company allowed to apply for up to 50 taxis.

The minimum bid price for a company license to operate 50 taxis is set at MOP2.5 million.

The tender was initially set to reissue some 300 licenses currently due to expire, but Transport Bureau (DSAT) director Kelvin Lam said that the number might actually amount to 500 according to the needs of locals and tourists, which the government is currently evaluating.

According to DSAT, there are currently approximately 1,900 valid taxi licenses allocated, of which about 300 will expire at the end of this year.

According to officials from the taxi sector, there are far fewer licenses currently in use than what the government estimates. This is due to several factors including drivers who have left the profession and found another occupation during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the industry was struggling to keep taxis operating with no tourists in Macau and little demand from local residents.

It has become difficult to hail a cab due to strong demand from consistently growing tourists arrivals. 

At a recent Legislative Assembly session, lawmakers agreed that the taxi service in Macau is currently insufficient and needs significant improvements to be able to meet the needs of both residents and tourists. LV