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Ambrose Li

Ride-hailing platform Uber will submit its operator’s licence application in Hong Kong by the end of October, its local general manager has revealed, as the city government moves to regulate the service.
The platform also said on Tuesday that Hong Kong residents accounted for the largest share of its non-local users in Macau, months after it relaunched in the gaming hub in February following a nearly decade-long absence.
“We’re putting our best foot forward, making sure we can comply with the government requirements and we have continued communication with [the government],” Estyn Chung, general manager of Uber in Hong Kong, said.
The new regulations require ride-hailing platforms to fulfil nine key requirements, including a proven track record of providing lawful services in cities with populations of more than 7.5 million and handling more than 100,000 daily orders in at least two locations.
A spokeswoman for the United States-based Uber said the company had continued efforts to support drivers, with financial aid for exams and tests, one-on-one consultations and information sessions to ensure service quality during the transition period.
Separately in the Macau market, Uber said it was working with nearly 1,000 metered taxi drivers each month on average, with the number of completed trips in July surging more than five times compared with its launch in February.

“During periods with important events, Hong Kong riders could account for up to one-third of Uber taxi’s business in Macau,” Chung said.
“This goes to show that the operations in Macau serve not only its residents, but also Hong Kong visitors, as well as tourists from other areas.”
The other leading source markets for non-local riders were Taiwan, the United States, South Korea, mainland China, Japan and the United Kingdom, he noted.
Uber said 23 per cent of its customers in Macau were from Hong Kong, with the peak single-day share reaching 37 per cent when Hong Kong singer Keung To held three concerts in the gaming hub in June.
In anticipation of the October “golden week”, Uber also announced the launch of its WeChat mini programme feature for the Macau market, allowing mainland Chinese travellers to call a taxi without having to download a separate app.
“We know that mainland visitors make up over 70 per cent of tourists in Macau, and we observed that there has been a fast uptick in their use of our app, which is why we’re launching the feature,” Chung said.


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Hong Kong

Uber to apply for Hong Kong licence by end of October as Macau rides surge

An Uber Elite vehicle. The new government regulations require ride-hailing platforms to fulfil nine key requirements, including handling more than 100,000 daily orders in at least two locations. Photo: Sun Yeung

Tourists visit the area around the Ruins of St Paul’s in Macau. Photo: Karma Lo

In anticipation of the October “golden week”, Uber has also announced the launch of its WeChat mini programme feature for the Macau market. Photo: Handout

Several ride-hailing firms express interest in Hong Kong licences: minister

In Hong Kong, apart from Uber, Singapore-based Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing currently serve the market. Photo: Dickson Lee

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan says two to three firms have expressed an interest in Hong Kong ride-hailing licences. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong set to invite ride-hailing firms to apply for licences in August

An Uber cab passes a taxi stand in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan has also said the government will roll out a dedicated website for ride-hailing services on Friday. Photo: Karma Lo

News

Hong Kong Economy

Ride-hailing giant prepares application under new rules while Hong Kong users fuel fivefold trip growth in gaming hub


Ride-hailing giant prepares application under new rules while Hong Kong users fuel fivefold trip growth in gaming hub.


Uber to apply for Hong Kong licence by end of October as Macau rides surge

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Ride-hailing giant prepares application under new rules while Hong Kong users fuel fivefold trip growth in gaming hub

Ride-hailing giant prepares application under new rules while Hong Kong users fuel fivefold trip growth in gaming hub