It comes after Chow Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, announced that about 50 taxi owners will petition outside government headquarters in Admiralty on Friday morning.
Chow said authorities need step up law enforcement on illegal ride-hailing services to protect the rights of taxi drivers.
In the meeting, Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee noted the government will make legislative proposals on regulating online car hailing platforms within this year, including the licensing requirements for their vehicles and drivers.
“Combatting illegal carriage of passengers for reward activities, regulating online car hailing platforms and improving taxi service are the common goals of both the government and the trade,” Lee said.
“We had candid exchanges at the meeting and we understand the taxi trade’s concern regarding online car hailing platforms and illegal hire car activities. The Government is determined to continuously combat illegal carriage of passengers for reward activities with a view to protecting the safety and interests of the public,” she added.
Lee added the government is actively conducting a study on the overall demand and supply of personalised point-to-point transport services.
To further enhance deterrence against illegal ride-hailing, she said the government is also proactively studying ways to impound vehicles involved in illegal ride-hailing services even if the driver’s identity cannot be confirmed.
