Taxi industry flashes on caution light over potential 12-year age limit for ride-hailing vehicles

With sources indicating that authorities are poised to relax the ride-hailing vehicle age limit from 7 to 12 years, the taxi industry is raising concerns about unfair competition.

According to sources, the revised ride-hailing legislation framework will be presented for its first and second readings, aiming for passage in October.

Speaking on a recent TV program, the taxi industry representatives have voiced their concerns over the extended vehicle age limit. 

"This sudden shift will likely provoke significant opposition from the industry," said Harry Ho Chi-keung, director of the taxi driver branch of the Motor Transport Workers General Union.

Ho explained that extending the vehicle age limit to 12 years could substantially increase the number of ride-hailing vehicles and intensify competition. He stated that taxis should remain the primary means of public transportation, with ride-hailing services functioning as a supplement.

Addressing concerns about the unchanged 3-year age limit for taxi fleets, Chan Siu-hung, lawmaker and chairman of the Legislative Council's Panel on Transport, noted that the government has yet to report on the age limit for ride-hailing vehicles.

However, Chan expressed concern that taxi drivers might switch to ride-hailing services due to potential impacts on their business. 

Following the summer break of the Legislative Council, Chan noted that officials will expedite the bill’s review process, encouraging authorities to leave details regarding vehicle age and numbers to be settled in future subsidiary legislation.