On today's Backchat, we're discussing plans to regulate online ride-hailing platforms by next year.

Transport authorities are hoping to fill a long-standing legal loophole surrounding Uber-like services by issuing licenses while empowering the courts to seize cars being operated illegally.


Officials fell short of specifying how many permits could be granted, but said they'd take into account supply and demand. The taxi trade remains largely opposed to the liberalisation of point-to-point services and has instead pushed for the introduction of premium taxis. Meanwhile, free market advocates believe that time has come for the sector to face more competition.


In a statement, Uber said that it welcomed the government's acknowledgment of ride-hailing services, but expressed concern over plans to cap the number of licences as it could affect the livelihood of its existing drivers.


Are these proposals transparent enough? Or strategically ambiguous?


After 9:45, we talk about calls to speed up the structural inspection of buildings, following a spate of incidents over the last year.


9:05am-9:45am: Ride-hailing licenses on the pipeline


9:05am-9:45am: Joshua Chu, Technology Lawyer from Hauzen LLP
9:05am-9:45am: Timothy Hau, Honorary Associate Professor in Economics, HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong
9:05am-9:45am: Alok Jain, CEO and Managing Director of Trans-Consult




9:45am-10:00am: Speeding up building inspections

9:45am-10:00am: Marvin Chen, former President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects