SCMP China reports: Lawmakers say officials recently sought their views, and SCMP has learned authorities may submit document to Legco as early as Monday Hong Kong authorities should issue about 20,500 licences in the first phase of regulating ride-hailing platforms, lawmakers and experts have said, arguing that the city needs at least 15,000 active cars daily to meet existing demand and avoid worsening transport shortages. Several lawmakers told the South China Morning Post that the government had recently consulted them on a regulatory framework for ride-hailing services but had not presented any concrete plan. The SCMP learned that the Transport and Logistics Bureau could submit a document outlining its proposal to the Legislative Council as early as Monday.
The bureau is expected to imminently roll out a legal framework to govern operators such as Uber, Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing, which currently operate in a regulatory vacuum. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which also owns the SCMP. Lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung, a member of Legco’s panel on transport, said that officials had approached legislators to gather their views but did not disclose a target number of licences.
Key facts
- The SCMP learned that the Transport and Logistics Bureau could submit a document outlining its proposal to the Legislative Council as early as Monday.
- The bureau is expected to imminently roll out a legal framework to govern operators such as Uber, Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing, which currently operate in a regulatory vacuum.
- Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which also owns the SCMP.
Originally reported by SCMP China. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
