WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Hong Kong


HONG KONG CABBIES THREATEN TO STRIKE OVER RIDE-HAILING APPS


Hong Kong taxi drivers are threatening a five-day citywide strike starting March 5 if the government fails to crack down on unlicensed ride-hailing services such as Uber. At a meeting held by the Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association, over 80% of attendees voted in favour of the strike action. The taxi industry accuses app services of “11 years of unfair competition” and “heartless and unjust” policies, claiming they face bankruptcy due to the unregulated competition. They argue these plat- forms pose an unfair challenge to licensed taxi drivers. The association presented its proposal to the Transport Advisory Committee. Hong Kong is currently considering regulating ride-hailing apps with a new licensing regime expected later this year after considering stakeholder opinions. The Transport Department has urged calm and arranged a meeting between the taxi industry and the ride-hailing platforms, hoping the sector will “think of ways to improve services.” Hong Kong has recently implemented measures aimed at improving taxi services, including a proposal for mandatory in-vehicle surveillance and a new penalty points system for malpractice.


from Morocco


MOROCCO CRACKS DOWN ON APP- BASED DRIVERS AMID TAXI TENSIONS


Moroccan authorities are escalating their crackdown on app-based transportation services, revoking “trust licences” from drivers operating outside traditional taxi regulations. This action follows temporary licence suspensions imposed by regional authorities in Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, requiring affected drivers to pledge adherence to existing taxi regulations. The move underscores the government’s com- mitment to addressing the growing conflict between traditional taxi drivers and those using apps such as


PHTM MARCH 2025


InDrive and Yango. Taxi unions, feeling threatened by the increasing number of licensed drivers migrating to app-based platforms, sought government inter- vention. Drivers find app-based work more lucrative due to the absence of permit leasing fees and daily dues, along with greater flexibility. Taxi associations, however, argue this legitimises unregulated transport. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has acknowledged the need for modern transport solutions, stating that traditional taxis alone can no longer meet urban mobility demands. He has pledged to work towards a joint solution for both taxis and ride-hailing services, confirming ongoing studies to integrate new transport models and promising discussions with stakeholders. Security concerns, including reports of app-based drivers using false identities and vehicle documents due to fear of retaliation from taxi operators, have further fuelled the crackdown. Without a legal framework for ride-hailing, these drivers face prosecution for illegal transport activities.The debate over ride-hailing regulation is ongoing.


from India


DRUNK CABBIE CRASHES TAXI ONTO RAILWAY TRACKS IN KOLAR, INDIA


A heavily intoxi- cated man drove his taxi into a railway station premises in Karnataka’s Kolar district. The incident happened on late 2 February, at Tyakal Railway Station, about 40 km from Kolar city. Reportedly, the man drove the taxi straight onto the platform and then crashed on the railway tracks. The driver, identified as Rakesh, was later arrested by Bangarpet Railway Police. Authorities used a crane to remove the vehicle from the tracks, preventing further disruptions. A case was registered and investigations commenced. Last month, a woman jumped out of a moving autorickshaw after her drunk driver veered away from the route to


her destination. Her harrowing experience was shared by her husband on X. 73


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