Put public first in Hong Kong taxi squabble with Uber
- ‘Sting’ operations by cabbies to expose ride-hailing drivers are uncalled for, especially when the government should really be clarifying the status of on-demand car services
The community accepts the need for laws and rules to regulate civilised society. But to serve their purpose they must be enforceable and respected by those they govern.
When they are routinely flouted with relative impunity for years, or some people take the law into their own hands, it is doubtful that they have passed those two tests. A case in point is the taxi industry fight versus ride-hailing services, such as Uber, which are taking cabbies’ business.
The likes of Uber operate in a legal grey area, undeterred by relatively few prosecutions of drivers.
In the latest development, taxi drivers have gone undercover by posing as Uber customers to report suspected illegal ride-hailing services to police. Such a practice is to be discouraged in a law-abiding society.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has urged cabbies to stop launching “sting” operations against Uber drivers, warning such efforts require proper training and legal knowledge.
In any case it is not the answer to people’s demands for a choice of point-to-point personal services, as distinct from those provided publicly, which are not a luxury or privilege but an integral part of a transport system widely admired by visitors and those abroad. It is good to hear Lee acknowledge the differing views of residents on ride-hailing services and that transport authorities will unveil a report on the issue in July.
It is to be hoped that this time a way will be found to put public interest firmly front and centre. After all, there has been little discernible improvement from taxi services in the wake of public dissatisfaction driving demand for ride-hailing alternatives.
Lee has promised that the views of the public and overseas experience will be considered before the next move is decided. That said it is a sensitive issue, involving vested interests and the financial value of taxi licences.
But other cities have found ways to compensate the taxi industry and give people what they want. Lee did not promise a decisive outcome, but it will be disappointing if there is not some meaningful movement in the government position.
As entertainment tycoon Allan Zeman says, the government faces criticism whatever it does. But many will empathise with his view that it should take the initiative and give residents what they want and tourists what they are used to having.
