Autotoll, Dah Sing Bank (DSB) and Visa partnered to introduce a new AutoTAXI service in Hong Kong cabs in June. The system offers a range of services that benefit both drivers and passengers including an intelligent dispatching service and most importantly the first commercial payment card acceptance in Hong Kong taxis.

A press conference was held to make the announcement and raise awareness amongst taxi fleet managers, taxi drivers and passengers. The event was attended by the Miriam Lau, legislator for the transport functional constituency in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, who addressed the assembled media endorsing the system which supports government policy on enhancements to taxi services in the territory.

A taxi driver taking part in the launch and his cab were available for media interviews at the press conference and an AutoTAXI drop off service was arranged for media leaving the press conference to experience the system and talk to other supportive drivers.

The press conference was attended by a total of 48 journalists from 35 publications. The story featured in evening TV news bulletins on TVB and featured prominently on the news-stands the following day in all major dailies including Apple Daily, Metro Daily and am730 and made the front page of the South China Morning Post.

One month after the announcement was made, the number of taxi management companies participating in the AutoTAXI system had increased from one to seven and the number of cabs on the road has doubled to more than 500.