Posh taxis: The Asia-Pacific Tipline for 3 May 2019

Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world that has clung to an iconic taxi. More than 99% of the territory’s cabs are the Toyota Comfort model, which first made a push in the 1970s when Japanese cars replaced European models. The government is looking to shake up the industry with the introduction of franchised taxis, which will cost more for consumers but offer better quality. But Hong Kong’s antitrust watchdog says that plan raises several competition concerns; it has encouraged the government to open up the market to currently illegal ride-hailing apps.