Allegations of Taxi Malpractice Rise During Golden Week

 

October 9, 2024

In a concerning report, authorities have revealed 33 cases of suspected taxi malpractice that emerged during the recent Golden Week holiday. According to police and transport officials, all allegations involve illegal surcharges imposed by taxi drivers. These drivers reportedly claimed that certain locations, including the Border Posts, the airport, and ferry terminals, required additional fees, raising suspicions of unlawful conduct.

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) has confirmed that all reported cases have been handed over to the Public Security Police Force (PSP) for a thorough investigation. This move aims to address the rising concerns about the integrity of taxi services during a peak travel period.

The Golden Week saw a significant surge in transportation activity, with DSAT reporting an average of nearly 80,000 taxi trips per day—an increase of approximately 10,000 trips compared to regular weekends. This uptick in travel activity was indicative of the holiday's popularity, as many locals and tourists alike took advantage of the extended break.

Public bus services also experienced heightened demand during this period, with the two major operators transporting around 3.62 million passengers between October 2 and October 6. This marks a notable increase of about 10% from the same timeframe last year. The daily average passenger count reached approximately 723,000, with numbers peaking above 800,000 on October 1 and October 2.

Throughout Golden Week, the bus operators conducted an impressive average of more than 9,600 trips daily, highlighting the increased reliance on public transportation during this busy holiday.

As authorities continue to investigate the taxi malpractice allegations, they urge passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. For further updates on this story and more, follow us on Twitter: @dark_web24.