Leave it to Hong Kong police to handle Uber cases, taxi trade leader urges cabbies after ‘undercover operation’ backlash

Hong Kong’s taxi drivers should leave it to police to deal with illegal ride-hailing services, an industry representative has said after a public backlash over a recent “undercover operation” by cabbies against Uber, while denying the sector organised the action.

Chau Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, on Monday also urged the government to issue licences for premium taxi fleets as soon as possible to allow more cabs to provide better services, in a bid to cut demand for ride-hailing services.

Some taxi drivers posed as Uber passengers and reported at least 13 ride-hailing cases to police from Thursday to Saturday. The move sparked public anger, with some residents calling for a tit-for-tat action against cabbies.

“We noticed the incidents. But we disagree with such an approach. We hope taxi owners and drivers stay calm and leave the matter to the association and police,” Chau told a radio programme.

“I also hope the government notices this incident, as it could become a governance issue if any injuries occur during illegal ride-hailing services, which are often provided by unlicensed vehicles that lack proper insurance coverage.”

His stance was in stark contrast to that of association secretary general Patrick Tam Man-chung who told the Post on Saturday he had supported the action by offering advice to a group of taxi owners and drivers who claimed to have accumulated grievances against Uber.

“They felt there was bias in law enforcement by police, who have applied full strength to target taxis, but don’t seem to have the strength to crack down on unlawful car hires,” Tam said.