What you need to know about Hong Kong’s new premium taxi fleet

The first batch of 3,500 taxis from five fleets offering premium services will begin operating in Hong Kong later this month, with some fares expected to be more expensive than those charged by existing operators and ride-hailing firms.

The government hopes the Joie, SynCab, Amigo, Big Boss and Big Bee fleets will “bring a new look” to an industry that has drawn complaints for poor service and refusal to adopt non-cash payments.

The Post compares the five fleets, which will account for nearly 20 per cent of the total number of taxis in the city, in terms of pricing and features.

1. Which fleet can I use now? Are fares more expensive?

Joie, a subsidiary of major taxi firm Tai Wo Management, will begin operating this month with 480 taxis. The other four fleets have until the end of July to launch their services.

SynCab started a trial in January with trips to and from border checkpoints, including the airport.

At around 6pm on Tuesday its website showed a prepaid ride in a six-seater Maxus Mifa T electric vehicle from Kwun Tong to West Kowloon station cost HK$163 (US$21).

That was 79 per cent more expensive than the estimated HK$91 fare for a regular taxi booked with FlyTaxi’s app. It was also 29 per cent higher than HK$126 for Uber’s regular meter taxi order but 12 per cent lower than the HK$186.40 for the priciest Black option.