Transport director, lawmaker unaligned on ‘online vehicle hailing’

The interpretation of the concept of “online vehicle hailing” appears to differ between the director of transport and lawmaker Ron Lam, with the latter following the national stipulation.

In his written inquiry dated August 4 this year, the lawmaker asked director of Transport Kelvin Lam several questions on the convenience of intra-city travel and taxi services. His last question asked the official if the government had any targeted measures in response to the social demands for “online vehicle hailing.”

The term “online vehicle hailing” is used in mainland China. According to the temporary operational methods posted on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Transport, the term “online vehicle hailing” is the abbreviation for “online-reserved rented vehicles,” while taxis are referred to as “rented vehicles” in mainland China.

The operational methods, meanwhile, stipulate details on the regulation of such services in mainland China. For example, the methods stipulate that operators must be business entities and cannot solicit passengers in person, meaning they can only be hailed online.

The Times has also sought clarification from the lawmaker, who confirmed that he followed the national definition of the term.

Despite this, the director of Transport understood the lawmaker’s term as referring to an illegal taxi, which is also known as gypsy taxi or “Pak Pai” in Cantonese in Hong Kong.

As such, the official reiterated that an illegal taxi, as suggested by its name, is illegal in Macau, citing relevant laws and regulations. He pointed out that taxi operations are a licensed business in Macau.

In his clarification to the Times, the lawmaker said that he was referring to legally regulated practices when using the term “online vehicle hailing.”

In the same reply, the official also repeated that many laws must be reviewed to facilitate the type of vehicles hailed online. He also said it would be necessary to consult with industry operators and practitioners.

Earlier, while replying to another lawmaker, the official cited geographical constraints as a barrier to implementing licensed online vehicle hailing. However, his office declined to elaborate to the Times.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, some taxis have joined the Uber platform. These taxis are legally registered and regulated, but only use Uber to seek passengers.