Hong Kong to unveil ride-hailing licensing and 10,000 vehicle permits in November
Hong Kong's transport secretary said the government plans to introduce ride-hailing platform licensing as early as November, with 10,000 vehicle permits available via a weighted lottery. Applicants must pass a revised test, and officials are considering ownership duration rules to deter speculation.
The Hong Kong government expects to introduce licensing frameworks for online ride-hailing platforms as early as November, with the first batch of approved operators slated for announcement between late November and early December, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on 24 October.
Speaking on a radio programme, Chan stated that authorities are finalising the regulatory framework and aim to announce detailed application procedures within November for a proposed initial quota of 10,000 vehicle permits. Under the government's timetable, public applications for the permits are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
Prospective drivers must first pass the integrated written test for taxi and ride-hailing drivers, an examination where roughly 40 per cent of previous candidates failed. Chan explained that the bureau had streamlined the test syllabus in response to feedback from lawmakers and industry stakeholders, replacing questions demanding rote memorisation of specific driving routes with assessments centred on regional directional awareness. She noted that the current passing rate of over 60 per cent demonstrates that candidates are taking the test seriously while validating the exam as an effective screening tool.
To distribute the initial 10,000 vehicle permits equitably, the transport bureau is formulating a balloting mechanism that could incorporate priority weightings for specific candidate categories. Chan revealed that the government is considering giving higher lottery odds to individuals who have proactively completed the required examinations and secured their qualifications ahead of time. At the same time, Chan stressed that the allocation system will not shut out young people or other working individuals who wish to enter the industry on a part-time basis. She noted that the administration is designing a balanced framework combining a general lottery with targeted priority consideration. The proposed system will also feature a waitlist and replacement mechanism to ensure the entire quota is fully utilised.
Authorities are also considering safeguards to prevent an influx of private cars driven by speculative interest in the new licensing regime. Chan warned that if residents rush to purchase brand-new vehicles solely to participate in the lottery, it would flood the city's roadways with private cars and run counter to the government's broader transport policy objectives. To counter this risk, the bureau is exploring eligibility criteria based on vehicle ownership duration, such as granting higher drawing odds to applicants who have already owned their private car for at least one year. Chan emphasised that officials will continue to consult stakeholders and seek a pragmatic balance, ensuring that the final allocation rules remain straightforward, transparent and subject to ongoing refinement.
