<div id="readability-page-1">Uber has described Hong Kong’s plan to cap the number of ride-hailing vehicle licences as “unusual,” as the city enters the final stage of shaping its regulatory regime. Andrew Byrne, the company’s US-based global head of public policy, was in Hong Kong on Thursday, where he urged authorities to consider existing demand when setting any cap. The proposed ceiling has sparked controversy. Some lawmakers suggest the government may issue between 10,000 and 15,000 licences, while taxi groups argue even a few thousand would be excessive and threaten their livelihoods. Byrne stopped short of revealing how many vehicles Uber would need on the roads to be financially viable in the city. “When we compare these proposed regulations to regulations around the world, I would say they are very unusual … It is not something we see on the mainland, it’s not something we see in Australia or London or most of the other large global cities around the world. “Typically, they let the market decide about how many drivers are required and let platforms effectively match supply and demand and provide the best possible service that they’re able to do so,” he said.  Uber has operated in a regulatory vacuum in Hong Kong for more than a decade, during which competitors Singapore-based Tada, Chinese operators Didi Chuxing and Amap have entered the market. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, the owner of the South China Morning Post. Byrne stressed that Uber welcomed and supported the government’s plan to introduce new regulations and clear rules, and said that there was a shared goal of giving the public “more transport options, not fewer”. “Uber is not considering leaving Hong Kong in any way. We remain absolutely committed to being a big part of the city’s future,” he said. “Part of that is working with the government to make sure that these new regulations make sense for Hong Kong’s future.” “Seventy per cent of local taxi drivers [also] use Uber’s app every single day to tap into more demand and increase their earnings,” he said, adding that traditional transport and technology could complement each other. Byrne suggested setting a cap that reflected actual demand to protect consumer choice and driver incomes, prioritising permits for drivers who rely on solely on ride-hailing, and reviewing the quotas at least once every six months. He said the starting number of the cap was vital to keeping the market stable, warning that a tight number of 10,000 to 15,000 licences could cause a supply shock, as 30,000 drivers used Uber last year. It would mean cutting off earning opportunities for more than half of Uber’s drivers, with prices shooting up by 70 per cent in some scenarios, and the wait time for a vehicle potentially doubling, he said. But some taxi groups have opposed issuing even a few thousand of such licences. Currently, 60 per cent of Uber drivers work fewer than 20 hours a week, Byrne said, highlighting the platform’s role in offering flexible income while helping meet peak demand without oversupply during quieter periods. Byrne said that Uber served 1 million international visitors from 149 countries in Hong Kong last year, noting that the convenience and flexibility of transport services shape how the city is perceived globally.  The Transport and Logistics Bureau is finalising key details of the regulatory regime, which is scheduled for approval at the Legislative Council before the summer recess in mid-July. Under the proposed regime, ride-hailing platforms must apply for licences in the third quarter, with full implementation targeted for the final quarter of the year. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan have both stressed the importance of “dynamic assessments” to strike a balance when setting the ride-hailing quotas without revealing an actual number. To ensure compliance, the Transport Department will monitor performance, fares and complaints via a direct data link and conduct random inspections. Chan earlier emphasised that authorities would ensure platforms strictly adhere to the data protection principles of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, mandating robust safeguards to prevent any leakage of customer and driver personal data. Under the proposed rules, unauthorised operators could face penalties of up to HK$1 million (US$127,660) and one year in prison, while platforms will be fined HK$10,000 if drivers are not the registered owners of their vehicles. Eligible vehicles must be under 12 years old, require annual permit renewals, and meet a minimum trip quota. </div>

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<p>Uber has criticized Hong Kong's plan to cap ride-hailing vehicle licenses as 'unusual' and urged authorities to consider actual demand. The proposed cap has sparked controversy, with suggestions ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 licenses. Uber's global head of public policy emphasized the need for regulations that support consumer choice and driver incomes, while also highlighting the platform's role in providing flexible income for drivers. The regulatory regime is set for approval before the summer recess.</p>

Uber says Hong Kong ride-hailing cap ‘unusual’, insists it is here to stay