Hong Kong to Introduce Licensing Framework for Ride-Hailing Platforms

The South China Morning Post tackles some of the major questions surrounding the proposed regime so far, and how it may affect riders and drivers. 1. What exactly is changing under the new framework? Under the proposed system, ride-hailing platforms, drivers and vehicles would all need separate licences or permits to operate legally in Hong Kong. Officials plan to table subsidiary legislation in the Legislative Council before lawmakers go on summer break in late July. They will then invite platforms to apply for licences in the third quarter of the year, and begin accepting applications from vehicles and drivers in the fourth quarter. Authorities have not yet decided on how many ride-hailing vehicle permits will initially be issued, only saying they will continue listening to views from the public and industry representatives before finalising the cap.