Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Saturday said ride-hailing vehicle permits, to be issued as part of the regulatory regime coming into force next month, would be granted through a fair and transparent system.

The administration has introduced a 10,000-permit cap, saying it had only been set after exhaustive considerations.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chan said the permits would be granted in various ways.

"The legislation permits the use of a lottery system and allows the Commissioner for Transport to give priority consideration to certain individuals or vehicles," she said.

"We hope to make full use of this flexibility and authority to ensure that the process is transparent, fair and impartial, and that all eligible parties can participate," she added.

Chan also said the government would continue to crack down on illegal ride-hailing activities.

"The ordinance, which takes effect on August 3, also includes provisions which stipulate that drivers found to be illegally carrying passengers for reward will be penalised through a temporary suspension of their licence," she said.

"We have specified in the ordinance that the suspension period will be at least 12 months and up to three years. Compared to the previous legislation, the provision is more clearly defined and stricter."



Edited by Robert Kemp