Klook Denies Arranging ‘White Taxi’ Rides, Public Relations Comments

Klook Travel Technology, operating the travel experience booking site ‘Klook’, has clarified that it is not arranging so-called ‘white taxis’.

‘White taxis’ refer to unlicensed illegal transportation using private cars with white license plates instead of the officially permitted green-license vehicles. Violating the Road Transportation Act, offenders can be subjected to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen. Furthermore, passengers might not be able to receive compensation in the event of an accident.

This magazine inquired with Klook, which offers similar services, about their compliance with legal regulations following reports that Booking.com, a major travel booking site, was arranging ‘white taxi’ rides from domestic airports.

Klook offers airport transfer services with no reservation fee and discounts of up to 40 percent. Prices start from 17,454 yen between Narita International Airport and downtown Tokyo.

A spokesperson for Klook stated, “The safety and security of our customers is our top priority. As a company policy, we require all our suppliers to maintain valid licenses to conduct their business and provide their services. We have procedures in place to verify that all our partners have the necessary licenses to comply with relevant regulations. As a global company adhering to local policies, we regularly verify our suppliers’ compliance with applicable legal requirements. We do not do business with partners who cannot present adequate license documentation or prove their compliance with the law.”

Klook Travel Technology is a Hong Kong-based travel activities and local tours booking service that has received investment from SoftBank Vision Fund. Its Japanese subsidiary was established in 2017 and has a track record of joint promotions with the Japan National Tourism Organization.