Taxi drivers geared up for Wednesday e-payments start

Taxi drivers will be required to offer at least two types of digital payment starting on Wednesday, with non-compliance carrying a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and six months' imprisonment, according to Assistant Commissioner for Transport Louisa Fung. The new rule mandates that all taxis accept both a QR-code option – such as AlipayHK or WeChat Pay HK – as well as a non-QR payment system like with Octopus cards. Fung told RTHK that the sector is ready for the change, with more than 47,000 drivers already having installed systems that support multiple e-payment methods. "Passengers may ask the driver which electronic payment methods can be used before getting in the taxi," she said. "There will also be stickers on the car window listing which electronic payment methods are accepted. It's not just passengers who benefit – e-payments also help drivers improve their operations." Fung reminded people to check whether their chosen e-payment platform offers any discounts or imposes extra surcharges as well. The Transport Department, she added, will continue with its public education and outreach efforts after the regulation takes effect. If a passenger finds that a driver does not have the required e-payment options, they are encouraged to note down the date, time, licence plate number and driver information. Reports can be made to the government hotline at 1823 or the Transport Complaints Unit at 2889 9999 for follow-up action. Edited by Thomas McAlinden