Taxi Drivers Prepare for Strike Against Illegal Ride-Hailing in Hong Kong

HONG KONG — A planned five-day taxi strike in Hong Kong aimed at illegal ride-hailing services is facing opposition from within the taxi community. The Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association announced that nearly 80% of drivers at a meeting on Tuesday night, representing about 30,000 drivers, have resolved to strike if their demands to the government go unanswered.

The strike is primarily targeting companies like Uber and Amap, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding. However, some drivers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the strike, arguing it might inadvertently push more passengers to these ride-hailing operators.

One taxi driver, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “I don’t think the strike will change anything. The government has been slow to act, and all this will do is send more customers to Uber and Amap.” Many drivers worry about their livelihoods, as pressure from taxi owners to perform well is mounting.

The Taxi Association’s demands include a stricter enforcement of the law that mandates ride-hailing services to operate with a hire-car permit. If the government fails to act swiftly, the association plans to mobilize at least 1,000 drivers to join the strike.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association said, “We need the government to support us in regulating the market. It is crucial for us to ensure that all driving services operate on an even playing field.”

The association’s concerns are exacerbated by a perception that the rise of ride-hailing services is eroding their income. In recent years, the number of taxi licenses has remained stagnant, while ride-hailing apps have flourished, attracting more riders.

As the strike date approaches, the dialogue between taxi drivers and lawmakers is expected to intensify. How the government responds could either mitigate tensions or intensify the planned strike.