There are three types of taxis in Hong Kong, which are the only public transport mode licensed to provide point-to-point services.
Currently, there are a total of 18,163 taxi licences in Hong Kong: 15,250 urban taxis (coloured red), 2,838 New Territories taxis (coloured green) and 75 Lantau taxis (coloured blue).
Urban taxis are permitted to operate in Hong Kong Island, as well as in Kowloon and the New Territories, while New Territories and Lantau taxis are restricted to operating in the New Territories and Lantau Island respectively. All three types of taxis may serve the airport at Chek Lap Kok.
Taxi licences have been issued through public tender exercises since 1964 to provide registered holders the right to own and operate a taxi. Since 1994, it has been the Government's policy to issue new taxi licences only when necessary, after taking into consideration the demand for taxi services, the financial viability of the trade, and the likely impact of the increase in the number of taxis on traffic conditions.
Taxi owners are required to pay an annual vehicle licence fee (i.e. road tax) of HK$3,159 irrespective of the age or engine capacity of the vehicles.
A taxi license is transferable through a relatively simple procedure which can be completed within seven working days.
Both the buyer and seller are required to submit the ownership transfer form in person at the Licensing Office of the Transport Department and pay a fee.
Taxi fares are set by the Government and reviewed from time to time by the Transport Department. Such reviews take into account changes in operating costs and fares of other mass transport carriers, among others.
Urban Taxis | |
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Flagfall for the first 2km | HK$29.00 |
Fare for every subsequent 0.2km / Waiting time charge for every 1 minute |
|
For meter fare up to HK$102.5 | HK$2.10 |
For meter fare exceeding HK$102.5 | HK$1.40 |
Telephone booking surcharge | HK$5.00 |
Surcharge for every article of baggage |
HK$6.00 |
Surcharge for every article of animal or bird |
HK$5.00 |
New Territories Taxis | |
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Flagfall for the first 2km | HK$25.50 |
Fare for every subsequent 0.2km / Waiting time charge for every 1 minute |
|
For meter fare up to HK$82.5 | HK$1.90 |
For meter fare exceeding HK$82.5 | HK$1.40 |
Telephone booking surcharge | HK$5.00 |
Surcharge for every article of baggage |
HK$6.00 |
Surcharge for every article of animal or bird |
HK$5.00 |
Lantau Taxis | |
---|---|
Flagfall for the first 2km | HK$24.00 |
Fare for every subsequent 0.2km / Waiting time charge for every 1 minute |
|
For meter fare up to HK$195 | HK$1.90 |
For meter fare exceeding HK$195 | HK$1.60 |
Telephone booking surcharge | HK$5.00 |
Surcharge for every article of baggage |
HK$6.00 |
Surcharge for every article of animal or bird |
HK$5.00 |