Uber: driver cap can ratchet up fares & wait time; taxis warn impact on livelihood
發佈日期: 2026-05-21 19:56
TVB News
Ride hailing platform Uber says introducing a cap on the number of licences for their drivers could ratchet up fares by some 70 percent -- and double passengers' waiting times.
On the other hand, the local taxi trade urges the government to consider the cabbies' livelihood.
While the government's consultations over the cap on ride-hailing licence numbers continue, earlier proposed limit was set between 10,000 and 15,000.
Uber says if the cap is set at 15,000, the number of active drivers on the platform would immediately be halved from the current 30,000 -- significantly impacting service reliability.
For instance, for journeys from Hong Kong Disneyland to Wan Chai, the fares during peak periods could rise from 250 dollars to 430 dollars.
Global Head of Public Policy, Uber ANDREW BYRNE: "Moving too quickly on a tight limit could cause a major supply shock. To riders, when you limit the number of cars, wait times naturally go up. Our numbers show that during busy hours, wait times, could double. Fares could also rise by as much as 70 percent at peak times. This could change the convenient, high quality service that Hong Kong relies on every day."
So how many licences will be enough?
ANDREW BYRNE: "The cap isn't set by us, so we are not sat here today telling the government how many licenses have issued. Our request is to take into account the real world demand and the level of service that people provide right now. It is very unusual even in the first place to have a cap on the quota of a number of licenses, that is incredibly unusual."
Uber also suggested that the government review the number of licenses on a quarterly or at least half-yearly basis to ensure supply keeps pace with market demand.
The taxi trade, meanwhile, says taxis on the road currently have an average occupancy rate of just around 30 percent.
They say the number of ride-hailing licences should range between 3,500 and 3,800.
An industry representative notes after the licencing mandate takes effect, fewer ride-hailing drivers will work part-time as it costs more to acquire the licences so it won't affect fares as much.
He also calls on the government to consider cabbies' livelihood and assist industry tech upgrades over the long term.
