TAC welcomes Transport Department's invitation to platform companies to apply for ride-hailing service licences
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) welcomes the Transport Department's invitation today (August 28) to platform companies to apply for ride-hailing service licences, taking forward the gradual implementation of the regulatory regime for ride-hailing services.
The Chairman of the TAC, Professor Wong Sze-chun, Photo source: reference image
The Chairman of the TAC, Professor Wong Sze-chun, said, "I note that the Government has established a series of entry thresholds and requirements for ride-hailing service licence applications, covering areas such as ride-hailing booking management technology, experience in operating ride-hailing platform services, proof of financial capability and capital investment. I believe these requirements will help ensure that licensed platforms possess the necessary operational experience and capability to provide proper and efficient ride-hailing services that meet passengers' travel needs. The Government will also monitor platform operations through a ride-hailing vehicle data management system to grasp market development of point-to-point transport services and conduct dynamic assessments."
Photo source: reference image
The TAC looks forward to platform companies providing the public with safe and compliant ride-hailing as well as online taxi-hailing services in the future. Through healthy competition, Hong Kong's personalised point-to-point public transport services will be continuously enhanced.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.5 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized.
A 42-year-old British male transit passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, and planned to take a flight to London, the United Kingdom, today. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 32kg in total, were found in 29 bags inside his two check-in suitcases. The male was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 29).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
