Image Source iag

Macau to auction 10 new taxi licenses, allows operation of 500 additional taxis

October 27, 2023 Macau Industry Updates

The city of Macau will be able to run 500 extra taxis according to the government’s announcement that 10 new licenses would be sold. Despite having 1,622 taxis, Macau has a chronic taxi shortage that negatively affects both residents and tourists.

The Transport Bureau’s Director, Lam Hin San, said in September that these licenses will be awarded via a bidding process in an effort to ease the taxi shortage. The formal Gazette published a formal announcement about the taxi license auction, and bids were accepted until November 23.

Applications for the ten licenses are open to registered taxi firms, and the reserve price is MOP$2.5 million (US$310,000) for each license. With the help of these licenses, up to 50 cabs will be allowed to operate for eight years.

As of June 31, 2023, there are 1,322 normal taxis and 300 radio taxis in Macau. Reservations are required by phone or app.