(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today said the Government is working to improve taxi services, regulate car hailing platforms and combat unlawful hire car services, and urged stakeholders to join efforts to attain these goals.

Mr Lee’s comments came in response to media questions about taxi drivers’ plans to strike against illegal ride-hailing. He cautioned against resorting to such drastic action.

“The Government’s position in respect of the (improvement) of taxi services, and also to have a lawful system to govern online hailing platforms, is clear,” he said. “Taxi services need to be improved. The car hailing platforms need to be regulated, and enforcement actions need to be taken against unlawful hire car services.

“Any drastic action is not going to solve the problem. Drastic action may also hurt the interests of normal citizens in the course of their daily going about of their lives. It is not going to receive public support.

“Also, there is a potential that the issue may change its nature, and the issue may be hijacked by some people with ulterior motives that will be not in the interests of society and the citizens.”

Mr Lee said a large number of representatives from the taxi trade have indicated that they will not support or take part in any drastic action.

He highlighted that the Transport & Logistics Bureau has already made proposals to address the problem. These include introducing a “taxi fleet regime” to enhance the management of taxi services, and a legal framework to regulate online hailing platforms.

He also mentioned that the Transport Advisory Committee has invited representatives from the taxi trade and online hailing platforms to a meeting tomorrow. Government representatives will also attend.

“It is a good opportunity for everybody to talk through the whole thing rationally with a common will to move forward, to find out a solution.”