Hong Kong has a new ride-hailing service with the arrival of Singapore-headquartered Tada, which launched in the city on December 12. The beta version of the ride platform will provide services on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the airport. Passengers can hire private vehicles and taxis and pay for their rides with either cash or credit card.
Tada is known for its zero-commission model that allows drivers to retain a higher share of their earnings. It gives passengers the option of booking economy cabs and standard taxis with either fixed or metered fares. The platform also has a pet-friendly policy, but urges users to check with individual drivers about whether they are comfortable with animals in their vehicles.
There are three other ride-hailing in Hong Kong: Uber, Beijing-based Didi Chuxing, and Amap, which launched in Hong Kong earlier this year. These ride platforms operate in a grey area in the city as they are unregulated. Additionally, it is illegal for private vehicle drivers who don’t have hire-car permits to accept passengers. However, the government is exploring ways to regulate online hailing platforms.
Hong Kong’s taxi industry has come under a lot of heat in the past year, with increased fares and passengers complaining about drivers overcharging and refusing rides. Authorities also rolled out a demerit system that penalises cabbies who turn down passengers, overcharge, and take indirect routes to destinations.
Image credits: Tada
