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Street hired taxi charges

Hi,

I have been to hk many times but have never hired any street taxi before. Usually on Uber, buses or MTR. Yesterday I hired a taxi in front of my hotel in Jordan and cross harbour to sheung wan . Metered fare was HKD101 but he entered HKD90 for extra. Total fare was HKD 191!! Airport to my hotel was only HKD 290. Why was it so expensive to go from Jordan to sheung wan which is so near?

Tunnel crossing fee is only HKD25

Thanks

In Hong Kong, street-hired taxis can sometimes appear more expensive than expected, even for relatively short distances. There are several factors that can contribute to the higher fare you experienced.

1. Metered Fare vs Extra Charges

  • The metered fare you saw (HKD101) is calculated based on distance and time. However, Hong Kong taxis often add surcharges depending on the route taken or specific circumstances.
  • The HKD90 extra entered by the driver could have been for additional fees, though it’s unusual if not clearly communicated beforehand.

2. Cross-Harbour Tunnel Charges

  • When traveling between Kowloon (Jordan) and Hong Kong Island (Sheung Wan), taxis must use one of the cross-harbour tunnels. Each tunnel has a toll (HKD25 for most taxis), which is added to the fare.
  • The fare calculation includes not only the tunnel toll but also the distance traveled on either side of the harbor, which can add up if traffic is heavy or the route is longer.

3. Traffic and Time-Based Charges

  • If you were traveling during peak hours, heavy traffic can increase the fare because taxis charge for time as well as distance.
  • Hong Kong taxis have “waiting time” increments which kick in if traffic slows down or the taxi is stationary in congestion.

4. Possible Miscommunication or Error

  • Sometimes drivers manually enter extra fees for luggage, tolls, or other services. If these are not clearly explained, it can seem like overcharging.
  • If the total fare appears unusually high, it’s acceptable to ask the driver to clarify the breakdown or to report the incident to the Transport Department for investigation.

In summary, while the base distance from Jordan to Sheung Wan is relatively short, crossing the harbor, traffic, and any additional surcharges can quickly increase the fare. Always confirm with the driver if extra charges are being applied, and keep an eye on the meter to avoid surprises.

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