Online portal for ride-hailing licence applications to open

Hong Kong has completed the legislative process to regulate ride-hailing services with the Transport Department poised to launch a dedicated online portal for platforms and drivers to apply for licences.

After the legislation takes effect in August next year, the government will also step up enforcement against illegal ride-hailing with tougher measures in place.

Under the new framework, ride-hailing platforms, drivers and vehicles will all require registrations with the cap set at 10,000 vehicle licences for now.

JONATHAN LAMPORT, Legco, Commercial (First) (Business & Professionals Alliance) (Voice of Translator): "I have reservations about the number of permits being capped at 10,000 because from the market's perspective, there is a very keen demand and short of supply."

JEFF YIU MING, Legco N. T. North (DAB) (Voice of Translator): "10,000 -- I think that this is a cautious number. It has struck a balance between the road capacity, public transport ecosystem and the demand of passengers."

Secretary for Transport and Logistics MABLE CHAN (Voice of Translator): "There will be a smart regulatory system to monitor ride-hailing platforms. We will not just rely on manual law enforcement. We must keep up with technological development and that means we will establish an information management system and an e-communication channel that can dovetail different platforms."

The transport chief also said preparatory work for the licensing regime began this quarter, and it includes baseline studies to assess demand for the ride-hailing services in Hong Kong.

The legislation will take full effect on August 22 next year when all platforms must be licensed and comply with driver vetting requirements.

On that same day, authorities will step up enforcement against illegal ride-hailing by introducing measures including the impoundment of vehicles involved in unauthorised passenger services.

Starting this Friday, the Transport Department will launch a dedicated ride-hailing portal, providing guidance for operators, drivers and platforms on the new licensing regime.

Applications are expected to open as early as next month, with driver applications to follow in the fourth quarter.