New taxis to tackle peak-hour ‘hard-to-hail’ problem, sector says

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

A member of the Transport Advisory Committee has voiced public concerns over the difficulty of hailing taxis during peak hours, expressing confidence that the additional 700 conventional taxis set to enter service in the second and third quarters of next year will help alleviate the problem and curb overcharging.

The government has launched a public tender for 14 eight-year operating licences covering 700 conventional taxis, with the Transport Bureau (DSAT) targeting an announcement of the award results in the fourth quarter of this year and a phased introduction of the new vehicles in the second and third quarters of 2026 to offset the impending expiry of existing taxi contracts.

In an interview published yesterday by the Macao Daily News, Transport Advisory Committee member Hui Ho Chi noted that the introduction of 700 new taxis would restore the city’s taxi fleet to its historic peak, with the total number of operational taxis likely to reach approximately 1,900 to 2,000 – marginally above the 2019 level.

Hui further expressed confidence that the mandatory integration of new taxis into government-recognized ride-hailing platforms would prove effective in tackling the persistent shortage of taxis in certain districts.

He observed that the problem is particularly acute in older neighbourhoods and that the platform model would not only reduce empty cruising and increase drivers’ earnings but also improve accessibility for passengers – drivers would only be informed of the destination after accepting a booking, thereby discouraging selective pick-ups and ensuring a more even distribution of services across the city.

The committee member also recommended that authorities explore the introduction of incentive measures to boost driver participation in ride-hailing platforms, thereby raising the standard of taxi services across Macau.

According to the report, he also observed that under existing legislation, all newly deployed taxis are required to operate on a meter-based fare system. He suggested that the effective use of ride-hailing platforms could potentially reduce empty mileage and boost driver earnings, thereby diminishing the need for fare adjustments. Nevertheless, he cautioned that a thorough investigation and analysis would be necessary to assess the actual outcomes.

Hui further emphasised the need for legislative amendments to define the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, referencing the government’s earlier position that a regulatory framework for ride-hailing platforms would require legal revisions or dedicated legislation.

He underscored that timely enactment of such laws would be critical to establishing clear duties and protections for platforms, drivers, and passengers alike.