Let’s move towards a unified platform for taxi and ride-hailing services

Readers discuss a solution for point-to-point transport services, a way to improve the Guangdong driver scheme, and national security law

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Over more than a decade, the price of a Hong Kong taxi licence has plummeted from an astronomical HK$7 million to less than HK$2 million. Is buying back these licences with taxpayers' money the right thing to do?

Taxi drivers have undeniably faced challenges in recent years, due to factors including fuel costs and competition from ride-hailing platforms like Uber.

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Negative perceptions of the taxi industry - stemming from overcharging, fare refusals, and poor behaviour - have further eroded public trust and patronage. Moreover, many work from home in the post-pandemic economy or spend weekends across the border , impacting local taxi usage.

The rise of ride-hailing platforms is not the root cause of the taxi industry's problems. Passengers simply want a reasonable point-to-point transport service. They expect to be charged by the meter. They don't want to see drivers trying to answer multiple phone calls during their rides. Passengers expect drivers to know the roads, take efficient routes and stay professional and courteous. These are not big asks, but some drivers still do not meet expectations.

Not all taxi drivers are bad and their coexistence with ride-hailing platforms is necessary for the health of Hong Kong's transport ecosystem.

Uber's global head of public policy, Andrew Byrne, has pointed to examples from jurisdictions such as Australia , where a levy on taxi and ride-hailing services was introduced to support taxi drivers during the transition to a more competitive market. Under this policy, a small fee is collected on every taxi or Uber ride for a fund to help taxi drivers facing financial hardship.

A similar scheme can be considered in Hong Kong, providing a temporary safety net for taxi drivers while ensuring fair competition. Thousands of taxi drivers here already use Uber to find passengers. By integrating taxi and ride-hailing services into a unified platform, Hong Kong could create a seamless network that benefits drivers and passengers.

Buying back taxi licences would unfairly burden the public and reward speculative behaviour. The government's responsibility is to act in the broader public interest, not subsidise private investment.

Roy Ying, senior lecturer, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Improve the Guangdong driver scheme with hotel tie-ups

I refer to "Hong Kong shouldn't let lack of space hold up Guangdong driver scheme: minister" ( June 11 ).

As Hong Kong prepares for the launch of the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme, much attention has been paid to minimising disruption to local traffic. One effective approach could be to require southbound drivers to anchor their visit around a confirmed hotel stay.

Rather than restrict access in the early phases of the scheme, the government could tie approval of each vehicle's entry to a verified overnight booking for one of several designated hotels. These hotels would need to confirm parking arrangements (either on site or through valet services) to ensure that no additional burden is placed on public or roadside parking.

This model offers two clear advantages. First, it ensures that each southbound vehicle is arriving with a guaranteed parking solution. Second, it channels visitor spending into the service sector, supporting consumption in a targeted way.

To begin with, the scheme could partner with select hotels with sufficient capacity and experience in handling cross-border guests: for example, those near Disneyland.

Far from being a complication, linking vehicle entry to accommodation could serve as a smart filter, helping the government manage traffic volume while attracting visitors who are ready to contribute to Hong Kong's economy in tangible ways.

Beck Wu, To Kwa Wan

National security law serves us well

Xia Baolong , director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, attended a forum in Hong Kong on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the national security law. One important message he delivered is how implementation of the law has restored social stability and boosted the Hong Kong economy.

Recently, Hong Kong was ranked third in the World Competitiveness Ranking, while nine local universities were listed in the latest QS World University Rankings, with five of them among the top 100.

This is testament to the Hong Kong government's dedication to improving the development of the city under the auspices of the national security law. The Hong Kong chief executive is striving to boost the economy by visiting or making trade deals with countries like Peru, Qatar and Laos, thereby creating more opportunities for our younger generation.

With the launch of Kai Tak Sports Park, major concerts are boosting tourism. Indisputably, confidence in Hong Kong's future is growing due to good governance.

Xia urged Hong Kong to strive for high-quality development by making good use of its advantages like the judicial system and its openness to the world. To maintain Hong Kong's progress, national security is the cornerstone. It is important for all to understand the importance of national security and join hands to protect our beloved city from external and internal threats, so as to benefit our society.

James Wong Yuen-hong, Sai Kung district council member

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