A regulatory proposal on ride-hailing companies in Hong Kong can be submitted to the legislature earlier than the top of the month, the transport minister has mentioned, months sooner than the unique plan amid calls to speed up the method.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan mentioned on Sunday that the authorities would offer extra complete and concrete particulars on regulating ride-hailing platforms, drivers and automobiles as they strived to roll out the proposal inside this month. The federal government’s preliminary deadline for introducing the proposal was the top of this 12 months.
“The first objective is to safeguard the protection of residents’ journey. Moreover, we hope to create a wholesome and optimistic aggressive surroundings to permit each taxi and ride-hailing companies to coexist, complement one another, and develop orderly,” she mentioned on a radio present.
At present, it’s unlawful in Hong Kong for personal car drivers to just accept paid clients and not using a hire-car allow. Regardless of this, ride-hailing platforms equivalent to Uber, Tada, Amap, and Didi Chuxing function unregulated. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which additionally owns the South China Morning Submit.
Chan mentioned that the federal government had drawn inspiration from ride-hailing laws in mainland China and abroad, in addition to town’s current regulatory regime for public transport operators.
She added that the ride-hailing platforms would wish to bear vital duty and endure evaluation. Equally, automobiles and drivers concerned could be required to satisfy sure circumstances and go assessments to make sure passenger security.
