Hong Kong's taxi industry is preparing to take legal action against the SAR government, demanding a court order to ban ride-hailing platforms that facilitate illegal ride-hailing services. Industry representatives are raising funds from taxi owners and drivers, with each contributor asked to donate HK$1,000 to support a judicial review.
Lam Chi-Chung, speaking on behalf of an informal group of taxi owners, confirmed the plan, stating that the initial fundraising target is at least HK$10 million, with further contributions expected.
The legal challenge will argue that ride-hailing platforms enabling unlicensed services violate Hong Kong law and should be removed. Additionally, the lawsuit will demand stronger government protection of taxi operators' exclusive rights.
The move comes as frustration grows within the taxi industry over the proliferation of unregulated ride-hailing services.
Earlier this month, “King of taxis” Cheng Hak-wo, the founder of Chung Shing Taxi Limited, one of the city's largest taxi operators, even wrote to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, urging a crackdown on illegal ride-hailing or warning of "further action."
The Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association revealed that many members have been approached about the fundraising effort. While the association respects members' opinions, its chairman, Chau Kwok-keung, expressed skepticism about the legal battle's success but acknowledged that the industry has waited too long for government intervention.
Speaking to Sing Tao Headline, The Standard’s sister publication, Lam argued that ride-hailing platforms facilitating paid rides violate a 2020 Court of Final Appeal ruling and should have been banned long ago.
He said many drivers are willing to contribute more than HK$1,000 due to anger over lost business. However, the group is still finalizing the fundraising mechanism to avoid legal risks.
Executive Council member and senior counsel Ronny Tong Ka-wah said such fundraising would not constitute "maintenance and champerty" under Hong Kong law, as contributors have a direct stake in the case.
However, he cautioned that judicial reviews are only permissible if government decisions breach legal or constitutional procedures—not simply because of disagreement.
The government is currently drafting regulations for ride-hailing platforms, but Lam said the legal action will proceed if the framework legitimizes illegal services.
He welcomed Chief Executive Lee’s recent statement reaffirming that unlicensed ride-hailing remains illegal.
Tong emphasized that the government must curb illegal transport services, regardless of public convenience, due to safety and insurance risks. However, he deferred to the government on how to regulate ride-hailing platforms.
(Marco Lam)
