All of your fantasies about Hong Kong taxis are about to come true.
The government has announced that it will start testing new super taxis that have Wi-Fi, two USB charging ports, and – what we’ve all been waiting for – take credit card.
The vehicles are Nissan NV200 models that have bi-fuel engines, meaning it can use both petrol and the more environmentally friendly liquefied petroleum gas (a.k.a. LPG or propane), reports Apple Daily.
Most importantly, the taxi is designed to be as accessible as possible, with wheelchair users able to roll up a ramp and directly into the vehicle.
“To take regular taxis, we have to get out of our wheelchairs,” said the chairman of the government Rehabilitation Policy Committee, a wheelchair user himself.
“Some of our friends, who can’t get out of their wheelchairs, can’t take taxis.”
He added that he hoped the company would waive the HKD60 booking fee that is added on if the taxi is reserved via phone or app.
Currently, booking a car that will accept wheelchairs is very difficult, with some rides costing HKD800, said the general manager of the Chung Sing Taxi company, which is introducing the vehicles.
The car also features a ledge on its side, helping shorter taxi riders (like children) to get in more easily.
Because of its spacious trunk space, which will fit up to eight suitcases or a wheelchair, the taxi still only takes four people.
The soonest the first batch of 20 taxis will be rolled out is March 20th, and there will be a trial period of three months.
The final frontier in Hong Kong taxi technology? To accept Octopus cards.
Photo: Screenshot via Apple Daily
