The taxi line at East Dam on New Year’s Day Photo: Internet
During the recent holidays tourist spots around Sai Kung were packed with people escaping the pandemic and relishing the fresh air and exercise.
These crowds attract many taxi drivers. Recently, a post has been circulated widely on the Internet showing citizens at the East Dam, High Island Reservoir, leading a revolt against taxi scammers on New Year’s Day.
The fare back into Sai Kung is usually between $130-150. Scammers were trying to charge over $100 per person – meaning that the driver would collect between $00-500 per trip.
About 150 people were lined up around 6:30 pm waiting for taxis to take them out of the Country Park. Many in the line refused to pay and organised a revolt against the scammers, resulting in a number of drivers leaving with no passengers at all.
Taxis lined up in the Country Park waiting for passengers later that night Photo: Internet
In fact, it is not uncommon for taxi drivers to set high prices in the country parks, and it is even a “hidden rule” on holidays. However, this time, according to a netizen, “The Hong Kong people in the long line actually united and talked together and resolved not to take a taxi with illegal fares. The momentum was very good.” At first, the drivers did not pay any attention and continued to try to fleece passengers, but aroused aroused the anger of more citizens.
“Everyone would rather continue to wait in line for a normal taxi and not take the scammers.” Some metered drivers lowered their windows and appreciated the public’s approach .
Many netizens have seen the posts and expressed their sympathy, saying that the incident was a portrayal of “Unity is strength”, “It is because of the influence of a few black sheep that this scam has become an industry; it is right to say no to the unreasonable”.
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