At least 4 major operators apply for Hong Kong ride-hailing licences before deadline

At least four major ride-hailing operators have applied for licences to offer services in Hong Kong under the new regulatory regime ahead of Friday’s deadline, the South China Morning Post can reveal.

US-based Uber, Singapore-based Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing, all of which currently serve the market, confirmed to the SCMP that they had submitted applications.

Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the SCMP.

“Drawing on its global operational experience and local track record, Uber will work closely with the government to implement the regulatory requirements,” Uber said in a statement.

Didi said it would support the rollout of Hong Kong’s ride-hailing regulatory framework.

“Didi will actively cooperate with the approval process and continue to advance various preparatory work to support the smooth implementation of Hong Kong’s ride-hailing regulatory system,” it said.

The company added that the number of newly registered taxi drivers on its platform had risen by more than 35 per cent over the past three months compared with the preceding three months.

Amap, one of mainland China’s largest service providers, said it was confident it could provide quality services and would comply with the regulatory regime to offer safe, convenient and diversified services.

Singapore’s Tada also confirmed it had submitted an application.

In May, Hong Kong authorities capped the number of ride-hailing vehicle permits at 10,000, marking a key step in their long-running effort to regulate the market.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau announced nine key requirements for ride-hailing operators in late August, with licence applications closing on October 30. The first batch of applications is expected to be approved in late November or early December.

Among the requirements, operators must have a proven track record of providing lawful services in cities with populations of more than 7.5 million and handling more than 100,000 daily orders in at least two locations.

Operators must also submit audited financial reports for the past three years. They must have at least HK$50 million (US$6.3 million) in capital, at least HK$30 million in bank deposits and a credit line of HK$30 million.

Transport minister Mable Chan said previously that authorities had not set a quota for operator licences and would assess applicants on merit and their ability to meet the requirements.

The SCMP has contacted the Transport Department for comment.