Macau’s newly approved taxi operators will be required to join a government-recognized ride-hailing platform, as the city links its latest taxi expansion to a broader shift toward app-based transport services.
The Transport Bureau opened bids on Thursday morning for 14 eight-year taxi licenses covering 700 standard taxis, receiving 47 tender submissions. The new vehicles are intended mainly to replenish supply, with around 303 existing taxi operating contracts due to expire by 2028.
Pang Man Kin, acting head of the bureau’s transport management division, said the eligibility requirements for bidding companies are broadly in line with those used in the 2023 tender. However, the latest round adds several new conditions, including participation in an authority-approved ride-hailing platform, an additional guarantee requirement, and adjusted deadlines for stamp duty payments.
According to Pang, the scoring criteria will focus mainly on the license premium offered, the vehicle rollout plan, and the proportion of local administrative management staff.
The tender follows a December 2025 policy direction to expand Macau’s taxi fleet and advance legislation for ride-hailing services.
Authorities expect to complete the tender evaluation and aim to announce the award results in the fourth quarter. Successful bidders will then need to prepare for operations, with the new taxis expected to enter service in batches in the second or third quarter of 2027.
