KPay Unveils Digital Payments Partnership with Hong Kong Taxi Fleet Amigo
- ByStartupStory | December 19, 2025
Hong Kong fintech KPay has partnered with premium taxi fleet operator Amigo to roll out seamless digital payment options across its vehicles, accelerating the shift from cash-only rides in a city where taxis still lag in payment modernization.
Transforming Taxi Payments in Hong Kong
The collaboration equips Amigo’s bright fuchsia-colored fleet—known for six-seater smart taxis with AI-powered features—with KPay’s Smart POS terminals supporting 19 payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, PayMe, and Octopus. Passengers can now tap, scan, or link for contactless fares, eliminating the need for exact change amid Hong Kong’s taxi cash culture.
Amigo, one of five new premium fleets launched under the government’s Taxi Fleet Scheme, operates in urban areas with transparent metered pricing and online hailing via apps. The integration aligns with mandates requiring all new fleets to accept electronic payments, driver monitoring, and free WiFi, positioning Amigo as a leader in smart mobility.
KPay’s Tech Stack Enables Frictionless Experience
KPay’s solution leverages SoftPOS technology for in-vehicle terminals, QR codes, payment links, and kiosks, processing transactions securely without additional hardware costs for drivers. Features include real-time fare calculation, driver ratings, and multi-language support catering to tourists from mainland China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
This builds on Hong Kong’s push for cashless taxis, where over 1,500 vehicles already accept Visa Tap to Pay via promotions offering HKD 10 cashback on rides over HKD 100 until December 2025. KPay’s versatility—handling credit cards, e-wallets, and FPS—addresses pain points like drivers lacking change early mornings or tourists without local currency.
Strategic Expansion Plans
The companies aim to scale the partnership across more Amigo taxis and introduce new vehicle models, potentially including wheelchair-accessible and electric variants. Future enhancements could integrate ride-hailing apps for end-to-end digital journeys, from booking to payment.
KPay, backed by HKSTP’s incubation program and partnered with Global Payments, targets broader taxi adoption beyond fleets like Joie, SynCab, and Big Bee. With DASH and Taxi Pay x Wonder as competitors, KPay differentiates via 19-method support and seamless merchant onboarding.
Market Context and Passenger Benefits
Hong Kong’s 18,000 taxis handle millions of rides yearly, but cash dominance frustrates visitors—prompting Uber’s rise despite surcharges. Premium fleets like Amigo (targeting 1,000 vehicles by mid-2025) command higher fares for perks like exclusive airport zones and AI routing, making digital payments essential for premium service.
Benefits for riders include accountability (reducing overcharging via transaction records), rewards integration, and inclusivity for non-cash users. Drivers gain simplified operations, higher earnings from tourist appeal, and integrated income tracking.
Broader Implications for Urban Mobility
This rollout reinforces Hong Kong’s smart city ambitions, complementing contactless MTR, buses, and ferries. Visa’s ecosystem growth—10x taxis accepting Tap to Pay since 2022—signals momentum, with 2,500-3,000 more fleet vehicles expected soon.
Challenges persist: Street-hail taxis outside fleets remain cash-heavy, and driver adoption hinges on incentives. Yet, government endorsements and tourism recovery (millions visiting yearly) propel change.
KPay-Amigo exemplifies fintech bridging legacy transport with digital rails, paving the way for fully cashless taxis and positioning Hong Kong as Asia’s mobility innovation hub.
Follow Startup Story
Related Posts
