Letters | Don’t let ride-hailing services undo Hong Kong’s public transport policy

Readers discuss ride-hailing services’ distortive effect, the city’s nightlife campaign, and the safety of tea bags

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A taxi driver waits for passengers in Tsim Sha Tsui on July 8. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 11:30am, 5 Aug 2024

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In my letter, “Why mainland China’s ride-hailing economy is a cautionary tale for Hong Kong” (July 23), I argued that ride-hailing services, if allowed in Hong Kong, must be fairly regulated.

One reason for caution with regard to allowing ride-hailing services is that Hong Kong is limited in land area and densely populated, with a road network that has limited capacity. Public transport, especially the railway, has been a top priority. As the government is investing billions in various rail projects and reducing bus and minibus frequencies, allowing ride-hailing services to develop freely would contradict the principles of Hong Kong’s public transport policy and be tantamount to a waste of past investments of taxpayers’ money.

Some argue that this won’t happen, as there are already many ride-hailing vehicles operating, but this view is incorrect. Currently, being a ride-hailing driver is still illegal, so drivers are taking a risk and supply is limited. If it is legalised and allowed to develop freely, there will be a large influx of new drivers. Lower fares will then generate new demand, leading to severe traffic congestion in Hong Kong.

In mainland Chinese cities, the prevalence of low-cost ride-hailing has caused passengers who previously used public transport to switch to ride-hailing, distorting the entire transport policy and market.

It is true that the image of the taxi industry is not good and needs reform. In particular, rogue elements must be firmly cracked down upon, with heavier criminal penalties.