After much deliberation, Hong Kong finally implemented the demerit point system for taxi drivers, starting September 22. Aimed to ensure cabbies behave professionally and to elevate the quality of taxi services, the system will put in place a number of penalties for various offences. Here’s everything to know about the new demerit system.
Following many complaints about the notoriety of taxi drivers over time, officials decided to roll out the regulation to curb poor behaviour and enhance commuters’ experience. The Taxi-Driver-Offence Points Ordinance (TDOP) was passed last year in December, taking into account 11 offences that impact the quality of services. Keep reading for further details.
Hong Kong implements the demerit point system for taxi drivers
The system essentially covers 11 different offences, each attached to a number of demerit points based on three levels of severity. Varying penalties will then be imposed based on points accumulated.
Cabbies who have 10 points or more will have to take a service improvement course. Those who fail to complete this course will face a fine of HKD 5,000 fine and imprisonment for one month. Moreover, taxi drivers who accumulate 15 or more demerit points within two years will face a three-month suspension.
Less-grave offences like refusing to issue a receipt, refusing to carry the required number of passengers or not setting the taximeter to recording position carry three demerit points.
On the other hand, acts like overcharging, refusing or neglecting a hire or refusing a destination will carry 10 demerit points.
Talking about the potential positive outcomes of the new scheme, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung said that the few ‘black sheeps’ in the system will be eliminated while the other majority of law-abiding cab drivers will be encouraged to maintain high standards. “This system will serve as a deterrent to undesirable behaviour and foster a professional and courteous taxi service,” Lam wrote in a blog post.
According to the South China Morning Post, the Transport Department received 1,006 serious complaints over taxi drivers last year. This figure is an exponential spike from 574 complaints in 2022. In 2021, the number was 464.
The scheme also comes into effect following the increase in taxi fares implemented in July this year.
What do you think about this system?
(Hero image credit: Harvey Abayasiri/ Unsplash; Feature image credit: JMC/ Pexels)
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Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
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