Macau’s Transport Bureau says gov’t submits proposal to raise taxi fares

The government has submitted a proposal to raise all taxi fares, according to the director of Macau’s Transport Bureau.

The Macau Transport Consultative Committee met on Friday and decided on a number of changes, including raising the starting fare from MOP$19 to MOP$21, reducing the waiting time from 60 seconds to 55 seconds, and shortening the distance between taximeters from 240 meters to 220 meters. However, there is no set timeline for implementation.

Director Lam Hin San said that the government is also thinking about raising the cost of trips leaving from Macau Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, the HZMB Zhuhai-Macau Boundary Crossing, and the Hengqin Boundary Crossing from MOP$5 to MOP $8.

“The proposed fare increase has been discussed with trade unions, social organizations, and taxi licensees, taking into consideration various factors such as inflation and public feedback,” Lim said.

Lim added that the proposal has not been completed and is still undergoing assessment. The implementation schedule in question has not yet been determined.

Citing data from 2023 that showed 168 instances of refusals to pick up customers, 34 instances of overcharging, and 96 complaints of rudeness, Lim acknowledged the need for better taxi services in Macau.

“If the taxi fare increase plan is approved, it is hoped that drivers will enhance their service quality and minimize instances of refusing passengers,” he said.

Original story by: IAG