Ride-hailing platforms seeking Hong Kong licence must have handled 100,000 orders a day

Hong Kong's new regulatory scheme for ride-hailing platforms mandates that operators have a track record of lawful service in cities with populations over 7.5 million, and have handled more than 100,000 daily orders in at least two locations. The Transport Department announced these criteria, along with the use of technology like facial recognition for driver due diligence.

The department aims to ensure safer, compliant point-to-point transport for the public by requiring platforms, vehicles, and drivers to obtain relevant licences and permits. Operators must be Hong Kong-registered companies with permanent staff and an office in the city, with their most senior executive having a university education in transport management and living in Hong Kong.

Interested operators must submit audited financial reports for the past three years, maintain a minimum of HK$50 million in capital, HK$30 million in bank deposits, and a HK$30 million credit line. They must also submit data on every trip to the government, store data in Hong Kong, and maintain a proper and efficient service. Operators are prohibited from offering cross-border services and must comply with national security laws.

Applications for operating licences close on October 30 and will be vetted by an assessment committee. Approved licences are valid for up to five years with an annual fee of HK$1.2 million. The Transport and Logistics Bureau, Digital Policy Office, and Transport Department will select the operators, who will have nine months to meet the new requirements before enforcement on August 22 next year.

The government has also introduced a combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles to help drivers prepare for vehicle and driving permits.