Hong Kong authorities have set a cap of 10,000 vehicles for ride-hailing service permits, marking a key step in their long-running effort to establish a regulatory framework, with applicants who have owned a private car for a certain period likely to be given priority.
The news drew criticism from both ride-hailing giant Uber and the taxi trade.
Uber Hong Kong warned that more than 20,000 people would lose a flexible earning opportunity, adding that a lottery-like quota allocation would put the livelihoods of drivers at risk.
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A taxi industry representative argued that the quota was set too high and would adversely affect the sector.
In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council on Tuesday, the Transport and Logistics Bureau said the 10,000-vehicle cap was a cautious and appropriate approach to maintaining service standards while balancing road capacity and the broader transport ecosystem.
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“After holistically considering the views from various sectors, the travel needs of passengers, the actual capacity of online ride-hailing services, as well as local conditions and industry development, authorities propose setting the upper limit for the number of vehicle permits at 10,000 at this stage,” the bureau said.