Hong Kong Taxi
Date back to the 19th century, sedan chairs were the only mean of public transportation in Hong Kong. Later in 1870, the rickshaw was imported from Japan and has become a popular form of public transport for many years. However, rickshaws’ popularity waned after World War II. In 1941, Wu zung, the earliest pioneer of the modern taxi owned 40 taxis but his operation was suspended during the Japanese occupying period. Hong Kong’s taxi service was first officially recorded by the government in 1947 with 329 cars and by 1960 the number of taxi increased to 1,026 cars and 10,000 by 1980.
At first, European cars were used as taxi in Hong Kong but they were slowly replaced by Japanese cars since the 1970. Today, most taxis in Hong Kong are Toyota Comfort (YXS10), the minority being Nissan Cedric (Y31) saloons, and Australian Ford Falcon estate cars. Hong Kong’s taxis are painted with red, white – green and white – blue.
The Transport Department of Hong Kong has issued “The Driving Test of Commercial Vehicles” for selecting the suitable commercial driver including taxi driver. Who can be a taxi driver in Hong Kong must not less than 21 years old and held a full driving license for private car for more than 3 years. A driver who has any physical disabilities is prohibited from this occupation.
