Passengers in Hong Kong have faced difficulties using mandatory e-payments from taxi drivers, who cited faulty equipment or low batteries. Experts suggest this reflects a deeper fear among drivers regarding traceable income and potential tax or housing consequences.

Some passengers have been unable to use any mandatory e-payment options on Hong Kong taxis, as cabbies cited faulty machines or battery problems, reasons that customers have deemed as excuses as the “cash is king” mentality persisted. Experts said this week that many taxi drivers still held a deep-seated fear of having a traceable income record, which could lead to taxation or the loss of eligibility for public housing. Lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung told the South China Morning Post that many...