The head of one of Hong Kong’s largest taxi groups has denounced undercover vigilante operations targeting Uber drivers, saying enforcement should be left to authorities.
Chau Kwok-keung, chair of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, responded on Monday to reports that people had been posing as passengers in recent weeks and hailing Uber rides, only to then call the police on those drivers.
Uber operates in a grey area in the city, which requires vehicles offering ride-hailing services to have a hire car permit. Taxi driver unions have long called on the authorities to crack down on Uber drivers, who they see as competition in the industry.
Speaking on an RTHK radio show, Chau said he was unsure if taxi drivers were behind these undercover operations: “If it is indeed taxi drivers doing this, we do not approve,” Chau said in Cantonese, adding that such operations could provoke conflicts.
The taxi industry representative said that – while he believed the issue of illegal ride-hailing services was “serious” in Hong Kong – the community should be restrained and leave law enforcement to the government.
His comments came after videos circulated online showing passengers purportedly carrying out undercover operations in Uber vehicles. In two clips, the videos were taken as the cars appeared to be nearing their destination at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
“Wait [here], the cops will come and greet you,” a passenger is heard telling the driver in one of the clips before alighting.
Police said on Monday that it had received reports of people suspected of illegally carrying passengers in vehicles in recent days. On Thursday, a police investigation at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal saw seven vehicles involved, and another five vehicles were investigated on Sunday in Tai Po.
No arrests have been made and the cases – categorised as traffic complaints – are being handled by traffic police.
Patrick Tam, the secretary general of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, said the vigilantism had been ongoing for at least two weeks. He said he supported the action and that drivers had “accumulated grievances” over what they perceived as bias by police.
In recent months, police have carried out operations to catch taxi drivers suspected of overcharging tourists. In December, the city increased penalties for taxi drivers convicted of offences including altering the taximeter or refusing to drive a passenger to their destination.
Rising taxi complaints
Uber arrived in Hong Kong about a decade ago, providing the city an alternative to traditional taxis. The ride-hailing cars offer cashless payment and what some have called a better customer experience compared to taxis.
Complaints about taxi services rose by more than 90 per cent from 2020 to 2022, the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s figures showed last April. The complaints include accusations of drivers refusing hire and taking longer routes.
In December, the government said it would review legislation to regulate ride-hailing services, ensuring only vehicles with permits provide services through platforms such as Uber.
Currently, those convicted of offering ride-hailing services without having a hire car permit are liable to a HK$5,000 fine and three months in prison, and upon subsequent convictions, to a HK$10,000 fine and six months in prison.
Authorities have also sought to improve the service of taxi drivers amid complaints. A new points system will come into effect later this year that will see taxi drivers lose points if they are found to have committed offences such as refusing hire or overcharging. If they lose a certain number of points within a two-year period, they will see their qualifications suspended.
The government has also opened applications for “taxi fleets,” inviting taxi companies that rent out vehicles to drivers to set up fleets of up to 1,000 taxis. Under the fleet regime, the companies will be tasked with enhancing the taxis’ services by ensuring the provision of e-payment options, installing driving safety devices, and overseeing the age of vehicles in their fleet among other responsibilities.
In return, the authorities will offer them benefits such designated spots at the airport and border control points where taxi drivers can pick up passengers, as well as sites where they can park and carry out maintenance.
The attempts to enhance service come as Hong Kong expects to see taxi flagfall rates increase by HK$2, taking the starting fare of urban taxis from the current HK$27 to HK$29. The new rates will take effect in July.
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