Hong Kong's Transport Department is set to establish a regulatory framework for ride-hailing platforms within the year, according to Commissioner for Transport Lee Chung-yan. Speaking after a meeting with the taxi industry today (Feb. 19), Lee also reaffirmed the government's commitment to cracking down on illegal "pak pai" services (private cars or light goods vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward).
The controversy arose after Amap's ride-hailing service (Gaode Dache) began offering "pak pai" services, sparking dissatisfaction within the taxi industry, which accused the government of not taking sufficient action against illegal operations.
Lee described the morning meeting with various taxi associations as "constructive," noting that the industry agreed on the need to protect public interests, aligning with the government's stance on regulating ride-hailing platforms. She reiterated her goal of finalizing the framework this year and emphasized the government's willingness to continue listening to industry opinions.
On combating "pak pai" services, Lee stated that operating a private vehicle for commercial passenger transport without a taxi license is illegal in HK. To increase deterrence, penalties for such offenses were raised last year. The Transport Department is also working with the Department of Justice to further improve relevant legislation.
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