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‘Several thousand’ ride-hailing licences won’t cover demand, advisory panel says

Issuing “several thousand” licences to ride-hailing vehicles under a proposed regulatory framework will be insufficient to meet demand, a Hong Kong government transport advisory body…

By Samantha Johnson / May 18, 2026

Issuing “several thousand” licences to ride-hailing vehicles under a proposed regulatory framework will be insufficient to meet demand, a Hong Kong government transport advisory body has said, calling for a quota that will not compromise existing services.

Speaking after meeting government officials on Monday, Professor Wong Sze-chun, chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee, said members did not suggest specific numbers for ride-hailing platforms, vehicles or driver licences.

“[A level of] several thousand as proposed by some is insufficient,” he said, referring to suggestions from taxi groups. “I expect the initial level to be somewhere around 10,000.”

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Wong also urged authorities to determine a level that would not affect current services or taxis’ businesses.

“We suggest that, following the implementation of the regulatory regime, the government conduct dynamic assessments in light of market developments and actual operational situations, and review in a timely manner whether adjustments to the number of ride-hailing vehicles are warranted,” he added.

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Last week, the Transport and Logistics Bureau revealed details of the legal framework for governing ride-hailing platforms, including penalties, without specifying the number of vehicle licences.

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