The average number of aspiring Hong Kong taxi drivers taking a crucial industry test each month has increased by nearly 30 per cent following the launch of a simplified version of the assessment last year, the transport minister has said.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Saturday that the government was increasing the number of dedicated meeting spaces for the city’s five premium taxi fleets at cultural and business landmarks.

“We streamlined the written test arrangements for taxi drivers last year. The average monthly number of candidates has now risen to around 1,800, representing an increase of nearly 30 per cent compared with previous figures,” she said in a social media post.

“This continues to inject fresh impetus into the industry, attracting more new entrants. Looking ahead to the new year, we will persist in advancing the pace of reform within the taxi sector.”

Chan earlier said the new test had simplified and reduced questions about locations and routes due to the availability of navigation technology that could assist drivers in quickly finding destinations and planning more efficient routes.

The transport chief also said on Saturday that more dedicated spots for app-using passengers of premium fleet taxis to meet would be provided outside the Palace Museum, the M+ museum, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the airport.