appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Cannix Yau

Several ride-hailing firms have expressed an interest in offering services under the new regulatory regime in Hong Kong, one day after the government opened licence applications setting out nine requirements, the transport chief has revealed.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Saturday that two to three firms had expressed an interest in offering ride-hailing services, emphasising that operators were capable of meeting the requirements.
“Just one day after our announcement, at least two to three platform operators have expressed an interest in running the ride-hailing services. I hope they can apply soon,” she told a radio programme.
“We will hold a briefing session in mid-September to communicate directly with interested applicants. We expect the first batch of applicants can be approved in early December.”
Her bureau announced nine key requirements on Friday for offering ride-hailing services under the new regulatory regime, with applications for licences closing on October 30.
Among the nine conditions, operators must have 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.

Operators must also submit audited financial reports for the past three years. They must have capital of at least HK$50 million (US$6.4 million), at least HK$30 million in bank deposits and a HK$30 million credit line.
Chan said authorities had not set a quota for the licences, adding candidates would be selected based on merit. “As long as the platform operators meet the requirements, then it will be OK for us,” she said.
She explained that the requirement for a track record of handling more than 100,000 daily orders was necessary as Hong Kong was an international city with many tourists, and operators should be able to serve different kinds of customers.
“Our survey also indicated that the daily demand for ride-hailing platforms in Hong Kong was about 110,000 trips, so the requirement is really basic. Some operators said they could cope with it.
“We don’t favour any parties. Those with local or overseas experience can apply as they can form a joint venture with others.”
As for ride-hailing drivers, she said the response was overwhelming, with more than 9,000 applicants registered for a new combined test for taxi and ride-hailing services. The written test will take place in September.
Chan said authorities would set up a ride-hailing data management system to store the information on vehicles, drivers and the trips to ensure operational smoothness.
The government earlier set a quota of 10,000 for ride-hailing vehicles. In Hong Kong, apart from Uber, Singapore-based Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing currently serve the market. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the South China Morning Post.
Both Uber and Didi have said they would apply for the licence.


Authorities aim to launch revamped Huanggang Port on October 12

China airports climb global-connectivity ranking as international routes rise: OAG report

Hong Kong finance chief urges Cathay to keep fares attractive, add routes

Mainland Chinese joint venture launches new electric taxi in Hong Kong

Hong Kong transport

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

Ride-hailing platforms seeking Hong Kong licence must have handled 100,000 orders a day

The government has announced the criteria for interested operators wanting to apply for a licence under the city’s new regulatory framework for ride-hailing platforms. Photo: Karma Lo

Licensed platforms will be given nine months to meet the new regulatory requirements before they are fully enforced on August 22 next year, according to transport chief Mable Chan. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Uber is among several companies that will apply for a licence under the new regulatory regime. Photo: Dickson Lee

Chinese, Southeast Asian ride-hailing firms eye Hong Kong amid licensing roll-out

Hong Kong's first licensed ride-hailing services are not expected to launch until later this year. Photo: Jelly Tse

Transport minister Mable Chan says the government hopes to invite interested companies to apply for platform licences within the next few months. Photo: Jonathan Wong

News

Hong Kong

Transport

Transport chief Mable Chan expresses confidence in operators, saying they are capable of meeting requirements laid out for licences


Transport chief Mable Chan expresses confidence in operators, saying they are capable of meeting requirements laid out for licences.


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

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Transport chief Mable Chan expresses confidence in operators, saying they are capable of meeting requirements laid out for licences

Transport chief Mable Chan expresses confidence in operators, saying they are capable of meeting requirements laid out for licences