Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced Thursday that a new points-based system aimed at improving taxi service quality will take effect on September 22. The Taxi-Driver-Offence Points (TDOP) Ordinance introduces stricter penalties for drivers who commit service-related infractions.
The TDOP system targets 11 specific offenses that impact service quality, including overcharging passengers, refusing fares, and taking circuitous routes. These offenses are categorized into three tiers of severity, with points ranging from three to ten assigned for each violation.
Under the new system, drivers who accumulate eight to 14 points within a two-year period will receive a warning from the Transport Commissioner. Those accruing 10 points or more will be required to attend a Taxi Service Improvement Course (TSIC) at their own expense.
Failure to complete the mandated course could result in a HK$5,000 (US$640) fine and up to one month in jail. However, the system also offers an incentive for improvement: drivers can voluntarily attend a TSIC to deduct three points from their record upon successful completion.
The most severe penalty — disqualification from driving a taxi — will be imposed on drivers who accumulate 15 points or more. First-time offenders face a three-month suspension, with subsequent violations leading to six-month disqualifications.
A Transport Department spokesperson emphasized that the new ordinance addresses longstanding concerns about taxi service quality in the city. “This system aims to deter misconduct and enhance the overall image of Hong Kong’s taxi industry,” the spokesperson said.
The TDOP bill, passed by the Legislative Council in December 2023, has been communicated to the taxi industry through regular conferences and official correspondence over the past nine months.
As Hong Kong prepares to implement this new regulatory framework, both drivers and passengers will be watching closely to see if it succeeds in raising the standard of taxi services across the city.
