The director of Macau’s Transport Bureau revealed the government has put forward a proposal to increase taxi fares across the board.
While there is no finalized timetable for implementation, a meeting of the Macau Transport Consultative Committee on Friday determined that the increase would include raising the starting fare from MOP$19 to MOP$21, reducing the travel distance on taximeters from 240 meters to 220 meters, and reducing the taxi waiting time from 60 seconds to 55 seconds.
According to director Lam Hin San, the government also proposes to increase the surcharge from MOP$5 to MOP$8 for rides from Macau Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, the HZMB Zhuhai-Macau Boundary Crossing and the Hengqin Boundary Crossing.
“The fare increase this time has been made in consultation with trade unions, social organizations and taxi licensees, and has also taken into account a combination of factors, such as inflation and public acceptance,” Lim explained.
“The proposal is still at the study stage and has not yet been finalized. There is no timetable for its implementation.”
Lim did, however, acknowledge the need for improved taxi service in Macau, with 2023 taxi malpractice data showing there were 168 cases of refusing hire, 34 cases of overcharging and 96 complaints of impoliteness.
“If the taxi-fare increase plan is implemented, it is hoped that the drivers can continue to improve their service attitude and reduce refusal of hire,” he said.
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