Taxi drivers cannot impose surcharges for using the Octopus card payment platform and are already enjoying fee waivers, the company has told HKFP in response to a dispute over the surcharges.
From April 1, all Hong Kong taxis must accept at least two forms of electronic payment. Methods must include an electronic QR code payment option, such as WeChat Pay HK, and at least one electronic payment method without a QR code, such as a credit card or Octopus card.
A photo shared widely online from earlier this month showed a warning sign on a taxi, which used the DASH ride-hailing platform, stating that a 3 percent fee would be imposed on electronic payments. It sparked debate over who gets the toll, prompting the Department for Transport to clarify that platform surcharges are allowed as they are not part of the fare, according to to the Standard.
However, an Octopus spokesperson told HKFP on Friday that it did not allow handling fees to be imposed on customers. “Under our merchant terms and conditions, taxi drivers who accept Octopus through the Octopus for Business app or Octopus Mobile POS are not allowed to charge (a) passenger surcharge,” the company said.
He said over 47,000 taxi drivers had signed up to accept Octopus. “Octopus does not charge taxi drivers any transaction or handling fees for using the Octopus Business app and Octopus Mobile POS, and we will continue to waive these fees as part of our ongoing efforts to support the taxi industry’s transition to cashless payments and contribute to Hong Kong’s digital transformation,” the company added.
According to Octopus, if customers come across a taxi driver who is charging, they can call their hotline on 2266 2222, submit a claim online or contact the Consumer Council.
Against the rules but not illegal
The issue of additional payment platform fees is a gray area. This practice is not banned by the authorities, but Octopus and major credit card firms prohibit it as part of commercial agreements.
According to RTHK.
On March 15, on the eve of the new rules, the Department of Transport said in a press release that it had increased publicity and public education to familiarize taxi drivers with the mandatory requirement.
If a taxi driver fails to provide electronic payment methods at the end of a journey, passengers are still liable to pay the fare. Passengers can report the incident by noting the time, date, taxi number plate and driver details and calling 1823 or 2889 9999.
Visa and Mastercard did not respond to HKFP’s requests.
