Plans are underway to introduce a cross-border ride-hailing service between Hengqin and Macao, according to a report by Macao Daily News. The new offering would allow travellers to make a single booking – and a single payment – for split journeys involving two cars, one on each side of the border.
On the sidelines of a public transportation event in Guangzhou yesterday, head of Hengqin’s Transport Bureau Hao Jin confirmed that tech and transport firms from Macao and Hengqin were collaborating to develop a map-based online ride-hailing platform for travel between the two cities. He said they were “striving” to have the service finished by the end of the year.
“For example, if you make an online booking in Hengqin, it will connect to the [radio taxi booking] platform in Macao,” Hao elaborated. “The [Hengqin] driver will take his passenger to the port, and when they cross the border there will already be a [Macao] radio taxi waiting for them, so there will be no need to book a second service.”
[See more: A government study on Macao’s taxi service will be conducted this year]
The transport head noted that the platform would inform passengers of where each of their vehicles were waiting, and of their registration numbers. Much like single-journey ride-hailing apps commonly used around the world.
As it stands, Macao residents travelling to and from Hengqin using online vehicle booking systems first need to select the Hengqin Port as their final destination. Then they must book a second journey to wherever they are ultimately going.
While ride-hailing apps like DiDi and Grab are widely used in Hengqin already, they are currently illegal in Macao – though lawmaker Ron Lam is pushing for their return. In Macao, people can use the MaasPlus app to summon so-called radio taxis, but it’s considered a somewhat convoluted process and drivers generally prefer responding to phone calls.
The new cross-border project is evidence of growing ties between Macao and Hengqin, also demonstrated by initiatives such as the Macao New Neighbourhood and a two-tier customs regime.
