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Hong Kong taxi operators again press for curbs on Uber, even as ride-hailing firm expands links with cabbies
- Uber has been operating in Hong Kong for seven years although ride-hailing services are not legal without a hire-car permit
- Firm says it welcomes regulation, ready to be a partner in improving city’s transport system
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Hong Kong’s taxi industry is trying yet again to persuade the government to clamp down on ride-hailing service Uber, which is hugely popular despite being illegal for vehicles without a hire-car permit.
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The industry wants all private vehicles with neither a valid hire-car permit to carry passengers for payment nor a taxi licence to be banned from Uber’s app.
“Uber will be held accountable if unqualified vehicles are found using its app to take ride-hailing orders,” said Chau Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association.
He said he presented the idea on behalf of the industry group to senior transport officials in August.
“I suggested that the government introduce a law to regulate the Uber app, so that those vehicles without a hire-car permit or a taxi licence can’t sign up for the Uber ride-hailing platform and provide service,” he said.
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