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Cannix Yau

Car-hailing firm Uber is putting the brakes on its taxi and van ­services in Hong Kong, effective from Monday, citing the need to shift focus to the ride-sharing business and phase out underused services.
The decision comes hot on the heels of Uber’s plan to pull out of the Macau market on September 9 due to an increasing crackdown on the operator by the enclave’s government.
But Hong Kong’s taxi trade yesterday noted that instead of pulling out of the city, Uber was expanding its ride-sharing ­services, which posed a bigger threat to their business.

A spokesman for Uber in Hong Kong said local taxi and van services – both deemed as “non-core business” for the popular ride-hailing firm – would be available only until Sunday. However, the company will continue providing its other ride-sharing platforms.
What’s it like to work for Uber? Hong Kong drivers tell the human story behind the ride-sharing app
“We are realigning our offerings to focus on the ride-sharing options on our platforms UberX and UberBlack, which are used by the vast majority of riders and drivers, and part of the realignment is that some options that are not as commonly used will be phased out,” the spokesman said.
“Ride-sharing services are Uber’s core business and represent the overwhelming majority of rides in Hong Kong.”

He expressed hope that the realignment would allow Uber to improve services for its “rapidly growing” rider and driver base.
In a text message to Uber drivers, the firm informed them of the decision and invited them to sign up for UberX and UberBlack. The former offers smaller car models at more affordable rates compared with the existing UberBlack line and its luxury cars.
Protest planned in Macau to support Uber after car-hailing firm quits under pressure
Earlier, the firm ramped up its push for new drivers and passengers with an advertising blitz.
Chau Kwok-keung, spokesman of the Anti-Taxi Franchises Concern Group, said Uber’s move meant the firm was going to be more aggressive with the expansion of UberX and UberBlack. “For us it is bad news as Uber looks set to be aggressive in stealing our prime customers,” he said.

The government has been accused of foot dragging and ambiguity over the legality of Uber in the city. It has repeatedly said that it is illegal to carry paying passengers without a car-hire permit.
In August last year, seven Uber drivers were arrested for lacking permits and driving without third-party insurance, while ­police raided the company’s offices after complaints by local taxi drivers. Two of them were fined.
Earlier Uber ended its attempted conquest of the mainland’s taxi-hailing market after agreeing to sell up to its bigger rival, Didi Chuxing. The deal was for Uber to hand over its Chinese brand, operations and data in ­exchange for a 17.3 per cent stake in Didi and a US$1 billion ­investment.



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Uber

End of the road: Uber to halt taxi and van services in Hong Kong

But the popular car-hailing company will continue its ride-sharing services in the city

Uber has pulled its taxi and van services out of Hong Kong.

Uber driver Rita Lo with her car at Tsim Sha Tsui. 07MAR16 [LIFE FEATURES] SCMP / K.Y. CHENG

Uber driver William Wong Ka-lok, poses for a photograph with his car in Sha Tin. 01MAR16 [2016 FEATURES] SCMP / Bruce Yan

Portrait of Uber driver Timmy Cheng Tak-tim, as he navigates the streets of Wan Chai, Hong Kong. 08MAR16 [LIFE FEATURES] SCMP/Jonathan Wong

Car-hailing firm Uber is putting the brakes on its taxi and van services in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters

Protest planned in Macau to support Uber after car-hailing firm quits under pressure

Company executive says more than 300 drivers have been fined 10 million patacas since they started to operate in October

Macau police issuing a fine to an Uber driver. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Hongkongers overwhelmingly prefer Uber over taxis in wake of government crackdown: survey

Uber is still popular with Hongkongers despite the government cracking down on its operations in the city. Photo: Reuters

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But the popular car-hailing company will continue its ride-sharing services in the city
