Hong Kong cabbies undercover
Illegal Uber drivers ensnared.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
By Chris Lau, CNN
(CNN) — They book their Uber ride through the app like any other passenger, and settle into the back seat of the car.
However, the atmosphere shifts halfway through the journey as they disclose their true identity.
“Pull over here. You are in trouble for driving an Uber,” the passenger informs the driver, in a series of recent encounters captured on video and shared online in Hong Kong.
These passengers are not police officers, but rather vigilante taxi drivers taking matters into their own hands due to their growing frustration with the lack of regulation of the ride-hailing platform by Hong Kong authorities.
After pulling over, they hand over the driver, often still in shock, to the police officers they have contacted.
Challenges Faced by Taxi Drivers
“You may say this is provocative. But without these videos, people may think we exaggerate the number of ‘white-plate vehicles’ on the road,” explained one of the taxi drivers involved in the sting operation, who preferred to be identified only as Ka Chun, in an interview with CNN.
“White-plate vehicles” is the colloquial term used by taxi drivers to refer to Uber. “We simply want the government to enforce the law,” Ka Chun added.
Despite being technically illegal in Hong Kong, Uber has operated in the city since 2014. It has flourished under the ambiguous stance of officials eager to portray a vision of technological advancement.
Impact on Traditional Taxi Drivers
“Uber is often seen as innovation, contributing to the ‘smart city’ concept – something the Hong Kong government aspires to be,” noted Oliver Chan, an assistant professor specializing in the gig economy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Advertisements for the US-based company are widespread, and its drivers rarely encounter issues with authorities.
For years, taxi drivers have voiced concerns over how Uber has circumvented local laws, disrupted the market, and eroded their already meager earnings.
Public Response to Vigilante Actions
However, the recent acts of vigilantism by taxi drivers seem to have backfired.
Instead of garnering public support, the cabbies faced a backlash, with passengers taking to social media to share negative experiences of rude taxi drivers, refusal of rides, and overcharging during inclement weather.
“They charge exorbitantly and decline to pick up passengers. Yet, they have the audacity to conduct sting operations,” remarked one individual on LIHKG, a popular local internet forum.
Retaliation against errant taxi drivers has escalated, with reports of taxis parking illegally flooding social media, prompting calls for action. WhatsApp groups formed by Uber drivers discuss strategies for fighting back, as shared by one driver with CNN.
Government Response and Industry Challenges
The backlash prompted Hong Kong leader John Lee to acknowledge the “intense public debate” and urge taxi drivers to refrain from vigilantism.
Hong Kong’s 15,000 red urban taxis are iconic of the city but are not renowned for their service quality or friendliness.
Passenger Lau Chi-tim recounted being overcharged during a typhoon a few years ago, highlighting the challenges faced by passengers.
Despite being an offense under Hong Kong law, taxi drivers often refuse rides to passengers with pets, prams, or those traveling to crowded areas.
Those who prefer Uber see it as a reliable alternative to the inconsistent service offered by traditional cabs, willing to pay a premium for a smoother ride.
An Uber driver, known only as Mo, shared that passengers appreciate the courteous behavior and driving standards of Uber drivers.
While the vigilante actions of taxi drivers may be aimed at protecting their interests, they have sparked a wider debate on the need for fair treatment and regulation in the industry.
Future of Ride-Hailing in Hong Kong
As Hong Kong authorities work towards regulating online ride-hailing services, the industry faces the challenge of balancing the coexistence of traditional cabs and gig-economy drivers.
“Hong Kong’s ride-hailing regulations lag behind other cities like Singapore,” noted CUHK’s Oliver Chan.
The government is set to release a study on online ride-hailing services in the near future, with a spokesperson indicating an “open-minded” approach to the apps, provided they comply with relevant laws.
However, taxi drivers like Ka Chun advocate for stricter regulations to ensure a level playing field in the industry.
“The government should mandate a different driver permit and insurance for ride-hailing drivers, even if their operations are legalized,” Ka Chun emphasized.
“Otherwise, why should I bother obtaining a taxi license? I could just drive for white-plate vehicles.”
.
– Vigilante Hong Kong cabbies undercover operation
– Illegal Uber drivers ensnared by Hong Kong cabbies.
