Mable Chan

Hong Kong transport minister Mable Chan set a 10,000-vehicle cap for ride-hailing service permits to address disputes between traditional taxis and online providers. Taxi trade leader Chau Kwok-keung warns the quota could push the taxi industry into a 'dead end', citing fears for 18,163 taxis and 46,000 cabbies.

Hong Kong authorities plan to invite ride-hailing platforms to apply for operator licenses in August and begin approvals in November, as announced by transport minister Mable Chan. The move follows lawmakers completing the negative vetting process for the regulatory legislation.

Hong Kong authorities plan to expand the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme to all 21 Guangdong cities by early next year due to surging demand. Applications for the scheme reached approximately three times the daily quota, with 15,000 motorists applying for next month's permits.

Hong Kong transport authorities will explore secure storage of ride-hailing data ahead of new August regulations to ensure national security compliance. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan emphasized privacy and security but did not confirm if user data must be stored locally.

Hong Kong authorities will not favor existing ride-hailing platform drivers in vehicle permit allocations due to concerns about illegal activities and execution challenges. Transport minister Mable Chan declined to disclose whether a timeframe is being planned to review the 10,000 permit cap.