A public tender has been launched for taxi licences, following widespread public frustration at the shortage of cabs in the city.
Each licence will allow the holder to operate up to 50 taxis, according to a local media report, with minimum bids set at 2.5 million patacas per licence.
Bids will be unsealed on 24 November and the licences will be valid for eight years.
[See more: These are the best tips for getting a taxi in Macao]
There are currently just under 1,600 taxis in Macao – a number that is insufficient to meet demand not only from residents but also tourists, who have returned in large numbers since the lifting of pandemic travel restrictions at the start of the year.
Some analysts have said that the situation is even harming Macao’s international reputation, with tourists reporting long wait times for taxis at the airport and finding it difficult to move around the city.
The government originally suggested putting 300 more taxis on the road, but increased the number to 500 in response to demand.
