Key facts
- A survey by Uber found 90% of passengers deem the proposed 10,000 ride-hailing vehicle permit cap 'very insufficient.'
- The survey included 10,009 passenger respondents and 4,569 driver respondents.
- Nearly 75% of drivers are concerned the cap will make obtaining permits difficult and affect their livelihoods.
- Uber stated the proposed quota represents only one-third of its active drivers in Hong Kong.
- Passengers anticipate longer waits and higher fares due to the proposed cap.
A significant majority of passengers believe the government's plan to limit ride-hailing vehicle permits to 10,000 is inadequate, according to a recent survey commissioned by Uber. The survey, which polled 10,009 passengers and 4,569 drivers, found that 90% of passengers considered the cap "very insufficient." Drivers expressed even greater concern, with nearly 75% feeling "extremely concerned" about the potential impact on their ability to secure permits and their overall livelihoods.
Uber, which has been a dominant player in Hong Kong's ride-hailing market for 12 years, argues that the proposed 10,000-permit quota is insufficient, representing only a third of the more than 30,000 drivers currently active on its platform. The company's survey is seen as a strategic move to influence the government's proposed regulatory framework, which also includes requirements for drivers, vehicles, and platform operators, ahead of the Legislative Council's summer recess.
Nicole Lee Tsz-yu, Uber Hong Kong’s head of public policy and government affairs, stated that the survey results represent "honest feedback" to the government's proposals. Passengers anticipate that the permit cap will lead to increased wait times and higher fares, while drivers are worried about access to permits and rising insurance costs.