new economy

　　

There are also non-local online car-hailing services in Hong Kong! Singapore ride-hailing platform TADA recently launched a trial ride service in Hong Kong, covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the airport, and nearly 4,000 Hong Kong drivers have registered, mostly private car drivers. The Transport Department said that according to the law, a valid taxi permit is required for the provision of the relevant services, and it would write to TADA to reiterate the existing legal requirements.

Sean Kim, Chief Executive Officer of TADA, said: "Hong Kong has a vibrant economic environment and dense population, and there is a strong demand for quality transportation services, and entering the Hong Kong market is an important step in the business expansion strategy.

TADA and Uber both offer online taxi and private car services. "The biggest feature of TADA is the zero commission operation mode, other platforms take 10% to 30% of the driver's commission, the overall fare may need to be priced higher to ensure the driver's income, but TADA no matter how much the fare, only charges a uniform specified fee, a fare of 60 yuan (Hong Kong dollars, the same below) or above to charge drivers 3 yuan, 60 yuan below free." It was stressed that TADA preferred to provide a high-income environment for drivers to maintain competitiveness by stabilizing the supply of vehicles, while keeping the overall fare reasonable without taking any commission, which would help attract passengers.

It is reported that TADA charges passengers a reservation fee of 8 yuan for a trip of less than 100 yuan, and 9 yuan for a trip of 100 yuan or more.

TADA said nearly 4,000 Hong Kong drivers had registered, most of them private car drivers. At this stage, it will not be limited to drivers with taxi licenses to join, but follow market practices and open to every driver, as long as it is qualified and safe driving, with driving certificates and owner insurance, you can join.

With reference to the operating experience of other regions, cooperation with local taxis will bring greater development opportunities, therefore, TADA also issued an invitation to cooperate with the five licensed taxi fleets, "We are still in early discussions, and they have received a good response for the time being, they regard us as a partner rather than a competitor."

At present, the New Territories is not covered by the TADA pilot ride service. Sean Kim said that of course, the larger the trial scope, the better, but we want to ensure the quality of service, so we first test the market demand and supply in some regions. TADA aims to expand to other parts of Hong Kong in the first or second quarter of next year.

As for Hong Kong's proposed legislation requiring taxis to install video recording equipment, Mr Kim thinks the motive is good, "If the government promulgating relevant legislation, we have no reason not to follow suit."

In response to enquiries, TD advised that the Government was open to summoning or booking personalised point-to-point transport services through different communication technologies, including the use of the Internet or mobile apps, but the relevant platforms had to ensure that the support services were in compliance with regulations to protect the safety and interests of passengers.

Under the existing legislation, any person or organization wishing to arrange for private cars to carry passengers on a hire or reward basis must have a valid taxi permit under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374). The Department said it would write to TADA to reiterate the existing legal requirements.

The Transport Department (TD) is conducting a study to examine the overall supply and demand of personalised peer-to-peer transport services in Hong Kong. Within next year, we will formulate legislative proposals to regulate ride-hailing platforms, the licensing requirements for vehicles and drivers in compliance services, and so on, so as to protect the rights and interests of passengers.