Transport Chief Reveals Multiple Firms Interested in Ride-Hailing Licences as Application Window Opens
Thestandard · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
The Transport Department (TD) officially launched applications for ride-hailing platform licences on Friday, marking a pivotal moment for Hong Kong's transportation sector. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced on Saturday that two to three firms have already expressed interest in operating ride-hailing services just one day after the government unveiled nine key requirements for applicants . Major players including US-based Uber and mainland China's Didi have confirmed they are preparing their applications, with Didi stating it would submit its application "as soon as possible" . The new regime, established under the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Services) Ordinance 2025 passed last October, creates a dedicated licensing framework covering platforms, vehicles, and drivers to ensure safe and reliable transportation alternatives . Applications close at noon on October 30, with a briefing session planned for mid-September to communicate directly with interested applicants . Chan emphasized that authorities have not set a quota for licences, stating that candidates would be selected based on merit: "As long as the platform operators meet the requirements, then it will be OK for us" .
Key Points
- Application deadline is noon on October 30 for all platform companies seeking to operate ride-hailing services in Hong Kong
- Two to three firms have already expressed interest in operating ride-hailing platforms, with first approvals expected in early December
- Uber and Didi have both confirmed they are preparing applications, with Didi welcoming the government's clear regulatory criteria
- Operators must demonstrate lawful service in cities with populations of at least 7.5 million while handling 100,000 daily orders in at least two locations
- Financial requirements include minimum paid-up capital of HK$50 million, HK$30 million in bank deposits, and an active credit line of HK$30 million
- Ride-hailing driver licences will be issued from November, with written test applications having opened earlier this month
- A briefing session for interested applicants will be held in mid-September, with no quota set for licences—selection is based on merit
Why It Matters
The new licensing regime transforms Hong Kong's transportation landscape by formally integrating ride-hailing services that have operated in a legal grey area since Uber entered the market in 2014 . The strict entry requirements—including capital thresholds and operational experience criteria—ensure only financially robust and experienced platforms can serve Hong Kong, providing passengers with regulated alternatives to traditional taxi services while addressing longstanding complaints about the taxi industry .
The new licensing regime transforms Hong Kong's transportation landscape by formally integrating ride-hailing services that have operated in a legal grey area since Uber entered the market in 2014 . The strict entry requirements—including capital thresholds and operational experience criteria—ensure only financially robust and experienced platforms can serve Hong Kong, providing passengers with regulated alternatives to traditional taxi services while addressing longstanding complaints about the taxi industry .