Hong Kong’s taxi flagfall fare will rise to HK$29 ($3.71) for red taxis, HK$25.50 for green taxis and HK$24 for Lantau taxis starting July 14, after the Executive Council approved the cab industry’s application on Tuesday.
The rise — a HK$2 addition to the initial charges for all taxis and an increase of HK$1.90 to HK$2.10 on the metered fare — is lower than the taxi trade had requested.
According to the approved plan, the flagfall fare for red taxis will be increased from HK$27 to HK$29, with incremental rates of HK$2.10 for short trips and HK$1.40 for long trips
According to the approved plan, the flagfall fare for red taxis will be increased from HK$27 to HK$29, with incremental rates of HK$2.10 for short trips and HK$1.40 for long trips.
For New Territories taxis, the flagfall fare will rise to HK$25.50, and the metered fares for short and long rides will rise to HK$1.90 and HK$1.40, respectively.
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Blues taxis will have an initial charge of HK$24, with incremental rates of HK$1.90 for short distances and HK$1.60 for long distances.
Other fees will not be affected by the fare hike.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, a government spokesperson said the average fare increases for red, green and blue taxis will be 8.86 percent, 9.56 percent, and 10.92 precent, respectively.
The taxi trade had requested average increases of 16.95 percent, 15.37 percent, and 11.68 percent.
READ MORE: Taxi industry proposes fare hikes of up to 17%
The government will bring the relevant amendment to the Legislative Council on May 22, for negative vetting before any adjustment of taxi fares. Upon completion of the procedure, the new fares are expected to take effect from July 14.
ExCo took into account factors such as people’s ability to pay and taxi companies’ financial status in reaching its decision, the spokesperson said.
This will be the second fare increase in the taxi industry in nearly two years. The last taxi fare increase was in July 2022, when all Hong Kong taxis raised their flagfall charges by HK$3, to HK$27 for urban taxis, HK$23.50 for New Territories taxis, and HK$22 for Lantau taxis.
