Hong Kong Plans to Regulate Uber Services After a Decade

Regulation of Uber's Ride-Sharing Services

Hong Kong has unveiled plans to regulate ride-sharing services, which will impact the operations of Uber Technologies. Authorities intend to license ride-sharing platforms and impose stricter penalties for rule violations, in addition to enhancing taxi services by introducing luxury fleets.

New Licenses

Currently, there are only 1,500 licenses available for ride-sharing vehicle rentals, while Uber has over 10,000 drivers in Hong Kong. Authorities have confirmed they do not plan to increase the current number of licenses.

Impact of Regulation on Uber

Uber has welcomed the plan, emphasizing the importance of having a practical licensing system. However, Uber has drawn the ire of taxi license owners in Hong Kong, who have seen a significant drop in the value of their licenses.

Improving Taxi Services

This move comes amid increasing complaints about poor service, high costs, and dangerous driving in taxis, prompting the government to take action. Complaints rose by 75% last year, while traffic accidents involving taxis increased by 26%.

Proposed Regulatory Framework

The Transport Department plans to conduct a study on passenger needs to draft the new regulatory framework within 12 months, with legislators set to discuss this framework in an upcoming committee meeting.