Kowloon's Fading Taxi Legends

In the bustling metropolis of Kowloon, the hum of taxis has long been a constant soundtrack to daily life. For those seeking to pinpoint the historical roots of taxi services in this vibrant district, the name 'Blue Taxicabs' inevitably surfaces. This iconic firm, once the largest in Kowloon, played a significant role in shaping the city's transportation landscape from the 1920s through the 1960s. This article delves into the fascinating history of Blue Taxicabs, exploring its origins, its founder's remarkable journey, its operational evolution, and its eventual departure from the industry.

The Rise of Blue Taxicabs: A Visionary's Endeavour

Blue Taxicabs was established in 1928 by Tsan Yung (曾榕, 1889-1970), a man whose life story is a testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Weiyang, Guangdong province, Tsan Yung was orphaned at a tender age and left his hometown at 19. His early years were marked by hard work and self-improvement, including stints as a miner in the Pacific Ocean where he diligently taught himself English and engineering by studying at night. This dedication led him to a supervisory role at the mine before he relocated to Hong Kong in 1923 to work for a British mining company.

Recognising the underdeveloped state of Kowloon in the early 1920s and the inherent difficulties in getting around, Tsan Yung saw a burgeoning opportunity. He launched Blue Taxicabs with an initial fleet of just 10 vehicles. His foresight and diligent management paid off, and within a decade, his fleet had expanded to 80 cabs. This rapid growth positioned Blue Taxicabs as a dominant force in Kowloon's nascent taxi industry.

Navigating Wartime and Post-War Resurgence

The Second World War presented a significant challenge for Blue Taxicabs. During the occupation, Tsan Yung's entire fleet was confiscated by the Japanese. Rather than compromise his principles by collaborating, he moved his family to the quiet fishing town of Tai O on Lantau Island. This period of adversity, however, did not break his resolve.

Following the war, Blue Taxicabs resumed operations in August 1946 with a modest fleet of 8 Hillman vehicles, each powered by 10 horsepower engines. The pricing structure had seen a considerable increase, with the initial rate set at $1 for the first mile, a significant jump from the pre-war rates of 40 cents in 1941 and 30 cents in 1937. Undeterred, Tsan Yung quickly secured more Hillman vehicles, and the fleet rapidly expanded to 150 cabs, surpassing its pre-war numbers. Notably, Blue Taxi was also the first cab company in Kowloon to introduce the use of taximeters, revolutionising fare calculation and transparency. A further technological leap occurred in December 1959 when Blue Taxicabs became the first taxi company in Hong Kong to equip its drivers with wireless communication systems, enhancing operational efficiency and driver safety.

A Tangible Legacy: Tsan Yung Mansion and Beyond

The physical presence of Blue Taxicabs was cemented with the construction of the Tsan Yung Mansion in 1964. Located at 70 Waterloo Road in Homantin, this 12-story building comprised 72 residential units. Tsan Yung and his family occupied several floors, while the first two floors of the building served as the garage and head office for Blue Taxi. Even today, this space continues its transportation-related legacy, currently operating as a public parking lot managed by Wilson Parking.

By 1967, Blue Taxicabs operated a fleet of 169 cabs. Beyond the taxi business, the Tsan family also diversified its investments into real estate through their holding company, Yung Hing Investments, showcasing a shrewd business acumen that extended beyond their primary industry.

Community Involvement and Generational Transition

Tsan Yung was not solely focused on his business empire; he was deeply involved in the community affairs of Kowloon. He was instrumental in founding the Kwong Wah Hospital, which later merged with Tung Wah and Tung Wah East hospitals to form the esteemed Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. He also played a key role in establishing the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce and provided financial support for the creation of Kaifong Welfare associations in Mongkok and Yaumatei, demonstrating a strong commitment to social welfare.

The management of Blue Taxi saw a generational transition in the 1950s and 1960s, with Tsan Yung's fifth son, Tsang Pui-hang, and sixth son, Tsang To-Piu, actively participating in the company's operations. However, the deregulation of the taxi market in the 1960s brought new challenges. Following Tsan Yung's passing in 1970, his descendants made the decision to exit the taxi business in August 1977, selling off their remaining 100 cabs and laying off their 200 drivers. This marked the end of an era for Blue Taxicabs.

The Extended Tsan Family's Influence

The legacy of Tsan Yung extended through his children and grandchildren, who continued to make their mark in various fields. His seventh son, Tsang Pui-Chiu, pursued aviation studies and served in the Chinese Air Force during the war. He later became involved with publicly listed companies, including International Restaurants and Nightclub, where he served as chairman, and Winton Holdings, a significant taxi financing company, where he held a substantial shareholding. Prominent third-generation members include Lana Tsan, a well-known figure in the dog breeding and pet food industry, and Thomas Tsang, a co-founder of Air Hong Kong and vice president of the CNAC Group.

A Comparative Look at Kowloon's Taxi Landscape

Blue Taxicabs was not alone in dominating Kowloon's taxi scene. Understanding its context requires a brief look at its contemporaries:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Blue Taxicabs originally located in Kowloon?

The garage of Blue Taxicabs was initially located at the corner of Nathan Road and Market Street. Later, their head office and garage were situated on the first two floors of the Tsan Yung Mansion at 70 Waterloo Road, Homantin.

Who founded Blue Taxicabs?

Blue Taxicabs was founded by Tsan Yung (曾榕).

What was significant about Blue Taxicabs' fleet?

Blue Taxicabs boasted the largest fleet in Kowloon, featuring hundreds of cabs at its peak. They were pioneers in adopting taximeters and wireless communication for their drivers.

When did Blue Taxicabs cease operations?

The Tsan family exited the taxi business in August 1977, at which point they still owned 100 cabs.

What happened to the Tsan Yung Mansion after Blue Taxi moved out?

The first two floors of the Tsan Yung Mansion, which previously served as the garage and head office for Blue Taxi, are currently a public parking lot managed by Wilson Parking.

The story of Blue Taxicabs is more than just a chapter in Hong Kong's transportation history; it's a narrative of ambition, adaptation, and the profound impact a single individual and his enterprise can have on a city's development. While the iconic blue cabs may no longer ply the streets of Kowloon, their legacy endures, a reminder of the pioneering spirit that helped build modern Hong Kong.