SynCab Achieves Major Milestone as Hong Kong's First Officially Licensed Taxi Fleet

SynCab proudly announced a significant milestone today: becoming Hong Kong's first officially licensed taxi fleet. This landmark achievement coincides with SynCab's 10th anniversary, marking a decade of commitment to excellence and innovation in taxi service. As a pioneer in the taxi industry, SynCab has collaborated with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Hong Kong to develop Hong Kong’s first intelligent dispatch system.  This groundbreaking system utilises both real-time and historical data to optimise the pairing of drivers and passengers. This enhances service quality and operational efficiency while advancing technological integration and customer service within the taxi industry.

The event was attended by distinguished guests including Ms Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics，Ms Candy Kwok, Deputy Commissioner (Transport Services and Management) of Transport Department, several LegCo members and various business partners. During the ceremony, Ms Sonia Cheng, founder of SynCab, announced the issuance of the taxi fleet license, TFL001, by the Transport Department, marking the launch of Hong Kong’s first licensed taxi fleet. Starting today, the SynCab fleet will begin operations, offering reliable and high-quality transportation to Hong Kong citizens, in line with the government's objective to enhance the taxi industry. Each taxi in the SynCab fleet will display the TFL001 fleet identification plate.

Since December last year, SynCab initiated a trial operation of its fleet and has seen steady growth in size and passenger demand.  As of now, it has launched 160 fleet taxis. Among these, from January to March this year, SynCab fleet has completed approximately 44,000 journeys for citizens and visitors of Hong Kong. By June, the total number of journeys has increased to 110,000. The most frequently requested trips include trips to and from the airport, Shenzhen Bay, and routine trips such as school runs.  Additionally, the latest data reveals that SynCab drivers earn on average 30% more than regular taxi drivers, indicating that joining the fleet effectively enhances drivers' livelihoods.

The SynCab fleet currently collaborates with a number of electronic payment operators, including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, AlipayHK and Octopus, offering passengers diverse payment options. Additionally, our online ride-hailing platform partners span local, Mainland China and Southeast Asian markets, facilitating seamless ride bookings for travelers across these regions.

Dispatching Orders Based on Real-Time and Historical Data to Enhance Operational Efficiency

To enhance both the configuration of fleet taxis and passenger experience, SynCab has collaborated with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Hong Kong to develop Hong Kong’s first intelligent dispatch system. This collaboration enables the practical application of the University’s research in Hong Kong's transport sector, bolstering the city’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation.

Ms Sonia Cheng, founder of SynCab, said: " SynCab has consistently been at the forefront of transforming Hong Kong's taxi industry. In our latest initiative, we have proactively integrated R&D project from the University of Hong Kong into our operations. Our objective is to convert local scientific research into practical improvements for the taxi industry, harnessing the collective strength of the industry, academia and research. This partnership is essential for fostering innovative development in Hong Kong's taxi services. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of our fleet and optimise road utilisation."

Ir Dr Ryan C.P. WONG, Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Hong Kong, explained during the event that in contrast to existing platforms on the market that typically pair passengers and drivers based on mutual consent without factoring in real-time city-wide supply, demand and traffic conditions, this often leads to suboptimal waiting times, This project brings together the viewpoints of passengers, frontline drivers and fleet operations while also prioritising road usage efficiency.  By reducing idling taxis, the initiative significantly boosts operational efficiency and enhances user experience. Dr. Wong remarked, "For drivers, this translates to less idling and increased earnings; for passengers, it results in shorter waiting times and a higher success rate in hailing a ride."

Unique features of SynCab’s intelligent dispatch system:

Advanced AI and Optimization: This system leverages cutting-edge AI and optimisation technologies to instantly analyse dynamic data, including passenger demand, taxi locations and road congestion. This enables more precise and adaptable dispatch recommendations.

Repositioning Algorithm for Idle Taxis: Utilising real-time data, the system employs a repositioning algorithm to offer route suggestions to drivers of idle fleet taxis when they are not carrying passengers, enhancing efficiency.

Machine Learning for Operational Excellence: The system regularly utilises machine learning techniques to develop simulation algorithms that take into account historical and real-time traffic data, taxi battery levels and anticipated battery usage. These algorithms are particularly effective for electric taxi fleets, helping to reduce driver anxiety related to battery inadequacy to complete trips.

Currently, the entire SynCab fleet is equipped with the intelligent dispatch system.  The project team engages SynCab drivers regularly to collect their insights and feedback, while also facilitating their transition to innovative operational models and technological empowerment.

SynCab is committed to continuously monitoring market trends and will adjust and expand the fleet in response to real-world usage data and evolving business and passenger needs.

Starting 21 July 2025, passengers can prepay their taxi fares using a Visa credit card through the SynCab mobile app and receive a $50 rebate directly to their Visa credit card for trips costing $150 or more. The rebate will be reflected on the monthly credit card statement. This offer is exclusive to bookings made via the SynCab mobile app with advance payments made using a Visa credit card. Passengers are encouraged to download the SynCab mobile app and refer to the ride-booking.

About SynCab

SynCab, part of the reputable Chung Shing Taxi Limited in Hong Kong, was established in 2015 by Ms Sonia Cheng. Adhering to Chung Shing Taxi’s philosophy of “leading innovation”, SynCab has consistently enhanced its taxi services, marking significant achievements along the way. The company addresses the needs of various groups and individuals by offering corporate rides, wheelchair-accessible taxis, and creating the first guide dog-friendly taxi fleet in the city to support visually impaired passengers, among other innovative initiatives.  SynCab's commitment to high-quality taxi services has earned it over 4,000 nominations for excellent service and numerous awards from the Transport Department’s Taxi Service Commendation Scheme for ‘Quality Taxi Service Management Team’.  For more information, visit our website at https://syncab.com.hk.