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hong kong Lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday to regulate online ride-hailing services that would require platforms uberAfter years of protest the city’s taxi industry, along with its vehicles and drivers, is to be licensed.
The first licensed platforms are expected to begin operations in late 2026 at the earliest, officials said.
In granting a license, the Transport Commissioner of Hong Kong may consider the firm’s experience, financial capacity and intended investment in the sector. According to the new rules, licensed companies will be required to maintain “fair and efficient” services and ensure that all vehicles and drivers on their platforms have valid permits.
Drivers must be at least 21, have held a private car driving license for at least one year and have no serious traffic convictions within five years. They are also required to pass an examination and take pre-service courses.
The bill is an important step in the development of ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, which currently prohibits drivers of private vehicles from providing paying services to customers without a permit.
Uber Hong Kong welcomed the voting results. “This decision marks an important milestone in integrating ridesharing into the city’s transportation system and ensuring riders and drivers benefit from clear rules,” it said.
Police Some Uber drivers were previously arrested on suspicion of driving without a permit and more than two dozen drivers were fined in 2018.
Some taxi companies have long opposed online platforms like Uber, considering them a threat to their business.
Uber, which began operations in Hong Kong in 2014, has faced several legal and regulatory challenges in its overseas expansion, but it remains popular. Asian Financial centre, where many residents are frustrated with poor taxi services.
Authorities have proposed a limit on the number of vehicles offering ride-hailing services under the new rules, to be specified in a supporting law next year. If that law is passed, they will invite applications for licenses.
Uber Hong Kong said it looked forward to “constructive discussions” on the vehicle quota mechanism.
According to the bill, anyone who operates a ride-hailing platform and provides services without a license will face a fine of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $128,600) and a maximum of one year in prison.
A platform that arranges cars or drivers without valid permits to serve passengers can be punished with a maximum of six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars ($1,286) per violation on a first-time conviction. A subsequent conviction would result in the maximum prison sentence being doubled, in addition to higher fines.