Hong Kong’s new ride-hailing regime to be open to all players

But transport minister Mable Chan says ride-hailing providers will need to meet criteria focused on safety and quality

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In Hong Kong, it is currently illegal for drivers of private vehicles to accept paid customers without a hire-car permit. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 4:30pm, 23 Jan 2025Updated: 9:42pm, 23 Jan 2025

Hong Kong will regulate platforms offering ride-hailing services based on three criteria, including safety and quality, but does not intend to limit the number of operators, the city’s transport minister has said, adding that a proposed framework is on track to be unveiled this year.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Thursday that regulating ride-hailing platforms would mean starting a new legal regime before resolving teething issues such as hire-car permits.

It is currently illegal in Hong Kong for drivers of private vehicles to accept paid customers without a hire-car permit, with many ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing operating unregulated. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the South China Morning Post.

Chan said plans to legalise the widely used services were intended to ensure convenience for commuters and tourists, in addition to reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global metropolis.

“We will not necessarily limit the number of platforms as the experiences of other jurisdictions tell us,” she said at her first solo media gathering since taking office last month.

“The legislative process will start with regulating the platforms, which serve as a channel for users to hail rides.”