Hong Kong Weighs Priority Draw for 10,000 Ride-Hailing Permits
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan (陳美寶) said the government plans to set an initial cap of 10,000 ride-hailing vehicle permits and is leaning toward a ballot if applications exceed supply, while considering ways to improve the chances of selected groups. She said detailed application arrangements are targeted for release in November, with the first batch of approved ride-hailing platforms expected to be announced from late November to early December.
Key Points
- Speaking on RTHK's accountability programme on Saturday, Chan said the integrated taxi and ride-hailing written test has drawn strong interest and now records a pass rate of more than 60 per cent.
- She said the test had been streamlined after feedback from the trade and lawmakers, reducing rigid route-based questions and focusing more on area orientation and directional knowledge.
- On permit allocation, Chan said a ballot would be the fairest basic mechanism if demand exceeds 10,000, but officials are studying weighting factors for certain applicants.
- Groups under consideration for better odds include early registrants, people who have completed the exam, those who sat the taxi driver test before the law took effect, young people seeking part-time entry, workers from other sectors, and applicants who have owned a private car for at least a year.
- Chan said the government wants a simple and understandable allocation system, may include backfilling arrangements to fully use all 10,000 quotas, and is still listening to stakeholder views
Why It Matters
The allocation design will shape who gets into Hong Kong's newly regulated ride-hailing market and whether the scheme favours experienced, prepared or part-time entrants over speculative applicants. It also affects whether the new system expands point-to-point services without encouraging a rush to buy additional private cars, which Chan said would run against policy intent