Hong Kong Taxis Finally Take E-Payments

Seems like every payment option is covered in this cab

Hong Kong taxi drivers have finally been pulled kicking and screaming into the hi-tech age, now that they must offer at least two electronic payment options to customers.

While the Transport Department rule was supposed to be in effect April 1, in reality not all 47,000 cabbies were on board... yet.

There were reports some drivers had yet to even install e-payments in their taxis, while others were able to take Octopus, credit cards, or Alipay or WeChat pay via QR codes.

The maximum fine for not installing at least two e-payment systems is HK$5,000 (US$637). 

It is anticipated that most taxi drivers will not have the credit card option, as the machine costs HK$1,000 and credit card companies will take a percentage of the fare.

While it's high time taxi drivers give alternative ways for customers to pay other than cash, there is the issue of adding gas to the tank and renting the taxi. 

"I just received a payment by credit card. It worked fine, you just tap it, like tapping a card, and it's done," said taxi driver Chiu Sing-ki, in his sixties. 

"But when we refuel, we have to pay cash. When I hand in the rented car at the end of my shift to the owner, I also have to pay cash. So where does my cash come from if we are receiving these e-payments all the time?"

He has a point. Did the Transport Department think about that???