Government probes vehicle-hire apps
As Uber makes Hong Kong bow, checks will be made on the legality of services that pair passengers with drivers - with a focus on vans
The government is "monitoring" the growing use of smartphone apps for passengers to arrange vehicle hire to ensure they comply with the law, a senior official told lawmakers yesterday.
Undersecretary for transport and housing Yau Shing-mu told members of the Legislative Council's transport panel that the use of such apps was a "growing trend".
His comments came in the week US-based Uber launched its private-hire service in the city. But much of the concern yesterday focused on apps that allowed passengers to book a ride in a light-goods vehicle. Drivers of such vehicles are not allowed to charge passengers, though a person who hires a van to transport goods can ride in the vehicle.
"The operation of those apps that facilitate the hiring of cars needs to comply with the law," Yau said.
"We are now closely monitoring the apps available on the market to see whether any of them have breached the law.
"But the operation of some apps is [legally] blurry, so both the Transport Department and the police are looking at them, carrying out investigations and seeking legal advice."
Police Chief Superintendent Paul Stripp said most apps were operated and used legitimately, "therefore it is unlikely we will be able to secure evidence to support prosecutions against the operators of the applications".
