Published: 8:59pm, 5 Sep 2025Updated: 9:41pm, 5 Sep 2025
Hong Kong authorities have proposed a legislative framework to regulate ride-hailing services. The proposed law aims to give the public safer, legal and more diverse travel choices while allowing fair competition and the orderly development of point-to-point transport services, according to officials.
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The legal framework was worked out amid mounting calls for legalising ride-hailing services, which have operated in a grey area for about a decade.
The city’s taxis have been accused of poor service for years, from refusing to pick up fares and cherry-picking destinations to overcharging passengers and making unnecessary detours.
1. What is the timetable for the legislation?
Officials hope the legislative process will move forward swiftly. The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 was gazetted on Friday and is scheduled to be tabled at the Legislative Council for its first and second readings next Wednesday.
By the middle of next year, subsidiary legislation will finalise more details such as permit quotas, drivers’ tests and licence fees.
The government will then invite applications for licences. It is hoped that the first licensed ride-hailing platforms can begin operating as early as the fourth quarter next year.
2. What are the requirements for platform operators?
To get a licence, ride-hailing firms will need to meet some entry requirements, including being registered in Hong Kong. Financial capacity, capital investment and directors’ qualifications will also be covered.