Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Ka-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (April 29):
Question:
From April 1, 2026, all taxi drivers are required to provide at least two types of electronic payment (e-payment) means, including one QR code e-payment means (such as Alipay, WeChat Pay or BoC Pay) and one non-QR code e-payment means (such as Octopus, credit cards or Faster Payment System). Drivers may flexibly choose the e-payment means based on their operational needs, and stickers showing the available e-payment means should be displayed at designated positions on taxi windows for passengers’ easy identification. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) and (7) All taxi drivers must provide at least two types of e-payment means (including one QR code e-payment means and one non-QR code e-payment means) starting from April 1, 2026. Since the implementation of the aforesaid requirement, the Transport Department (TD) has been closely monitoring the situation and has noted that the overall operation has been generally smooth. Taxi drivers and passengers generally welcomed the new requirement, and considered that the requirement can help reduce the time spent on giving changes, enhance the competitiveness of taxis, and provide greater convenience for passengers.
(5) and (6) The TD has noted that mobile network coverage may be unstable at some boundary control points or in remote areas, rendering taxi drivers or passengers unable to use e-payment means to settle fares.
In view of the above, the TD has contacted the relevant departments immediately to follow up on the matter. The Digital Policy Office has swiftly provided assistance to enhance the coverage and stability of the Wi-Fi network in the vicinity of the taxi drop-off area at the Shenzhen Bay Port, facilitating free access for those in need to the Government Wi-Fi service. The TD will continue to monitor whether unstable mobile network coverage occurs at specific locations and will follow up as appropriate.