Readers discuss a solution for point-to-point transport services, a way to improve the Guangdong driver scheme, and national security law
The rise of ride-hailing platforms is not the root cause of the taxi industry’s problems. Passengers simply want a reasonable point-to-point transport service. They expect to be charged by the meter. They don’t want to see drivers trying to answer multiple phone calls during their rides. Passengers expect drivers to know the roads, take efficient routes and stay professional and courteous. These are not big asks, but some drivers still do not meet expectations.
Not all taxi drivers are bad and their coexistence with ride-hailing platforms is necessary for the health of Hong Kong’s transport ecosystem.
Buying back taxi licences would unfairly burden the public and reward speculative behaviour. The government’s responsibility is to act in the broader public interest, not subsidise private investment.
Roy Ying, senior lecturer, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
