Lawmaker slams poor oversight of ride-hailing platforms

With more ride-hailing service providers entering the Hong Kong market, the SAR government has, in the last 10 years, failed to make law amendments to adapt to the market changes, leaving consumers and drivers vulnerable, according to lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu.

His comments came as mainland firm DiDi and Singapore-based firm Tada both launched their services in the city last year, providing competition for market leader Uber.

Zhang told an interview on Tuesday that there is a certain demand for ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, yet the city’s outdated legislation has led to loopholes, lacking adequate protection for all parties involved.

He said cities around the world have amended legislation to accommodate the emergence of new technologies or new modes of transportation, with Hong Kong idling for almost 10 years.

The lack of oversight could also lead to monopolistic situations, said Zhang.

The lawmaker expected that the new Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, could provide clearer directives on regulating ride-hailing services, with hopes to introduce a legislative framework for public discussion by mid-year or earlier.