Uber applies for ride-hailing license in Hong Kong- report

Uber has submitted an application to Hong Kong’s Transport Department for a ride-hailing service platform license, local media outlet HK01 reported on Thursday.

The first group of licenses is expected to be issued by the end of November, the report said.

The company first launched in Hong Kong in 2014, which led to conflicts with local taxi operators and regulators over the legality of its ride-hailing operations.

Uber has continued its Hong Kong operations since then. In 2021, the company acquired HKTaxi, a popular local taxi booking app, and later moved its users to the main Uber platform.

The application represents Uber’s formal move to become a fully regulated ride-hailing operator in the city. It also comes after the Hong Kong government recently introduced a new licensing framework for the digital ride-hailing market.