Opinion | Hong Kong taxis and Uber need not have a fight to the finish

Hong Kong cab drivers have evidently taken matters into their own hands, performing sting operations by posing as passengers hailing Uber rides and then calling the police on the Uber drivers. These undercover operations have led to some police investigations of Uber drivers but no arrests so far.

It is unclear whether the sting operations were a reaction to perceived government inaction or had anything to do with the government’s approval of a mere HK$2 (26 US cents) increase in flag-fall rates that comes into effect in July. That rise was far below the 17 per cent rise in fares taxi operators had requested.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was quick to discourage people from taking the law into their own hands without proper training and legal knowledge. Lee rose through the ranks in law enforcement, and his call should be heeded. Civilians won’t be able to call for backup if unexpected circumstances arise; besides, legal procedures must be strictly followed.

As it is, even the taxi fare rise has been controversial. The industry’s initial request led to an outcry from the public and lawmakers. The government curbed that request, but we are still talking about an average fare increase of 9 per cent per ride, far above the rate of inflation.

None of this will fix the strained relationship Hong Kong commuters have with the city’s cab drivers. While taxis can be a convenient way to travel, bad behaviour and driving have long put potential passengers off. Common complaints include drivers refusing customers, ripping off tourists or taking longer routes, dangerous driving, smelly or dirty cab interiors, and drivers complaining about a passenger’s chosen route being too short, too far or too inconvenient.