Macau is set to significantly expand its taxi fleet and move forward with long-anticipated legislation to introduce ride-hailing services, a policy shift aimed at addressing transport demand and improving service quality.
The Sar’s Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam announced during a Legislative Assembly policy debate on Monday that the government will add 800 taxis to the current fleet of more than 1,400, bringing the total to 2,000. At the same time, authorities will begin amending the taxi regulation to establish a legal framework for ride-hailing.
Tam said Macau will first deploy 100 additional taxis in the short term, followed by a public tender for 700 vehicles with specified service-life requirements. He noted that introducing ride-hailing is intended to supplement existing transport capacity, enhance service quality, and strengthen market oversight.
The policy shift comes as Macau faces rising demand from mainland Chinese visitors, many of whom rely heavily on ride-hailing platforms in their home cities. Hong Kong, by comparison, passed its ride-hailing bill in October and is expected to launch services in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In his April Policy Address, Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai signaled openness to studying the feasibility of introducing such services, stressing that public interest and safety would remain the core considerations.
Tam also revealed that public consultation on amendments to the taxi regulation will begin soon, with the government aiming to submit a legislative proposal next year to establish the legal basis for ride-hailing.
The new taxi plan also aims to improve accessibility. Tam said the number of accessible taxis will increase from seven to 28, with the expanded fleet expected to gradually enter service in 2026. New vehicle types will incorporate features required by people with disabilities to enhance mobility support.
