Uber urges Hong Kong to adopt ‘flexible’ driver quota based on service metrics

Ride-hailing giant Uber has urged the Hong Kong government to adopt a “flexible” quota regime that will allow more drivers to work for ride-hailing platforms if service quality indicators, such as waiting times, are not met.

Nicole Lee Tsz-yu, Uber Hong Kong’s head of public policy and government affairs, said on Friday that the government should consider a quota system that would allow for more drivers to be licensed in accordance with market demand to avoid residents having to wait longer or pay more for ride-hailing services due to a limited number of drivers.

“If we have a more flexible, dynamic quota system, it can really help to reflect and also adjust the market according to the rider demand,” she said.

Lee was speaking at a forum organised by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to discuss the city’s coming ride-hailing regulation framework and the future landscape of the industry.

The panel discussion was also attended by representatives from Grab, a Singapore-headquartered ride-hailing service platform operating across Southeast Asia, and two researchers.

Lawmakers passed the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill last month, legalising ride-hailing operations in Hong Kong. The government is expected to propose a regulatory framework early next year, with licences to be issued in the middle of 2026.