7. Unlicensed Services (Uber)
As said by the Court of Final Appeal in HKSAR v Yuong Ho Cheung & Ors [2020] HKCFA 29, over the past decade, a form of transport has developed in many cities around the world from the use of new computer and internet technologies, including mapping and payment software programmes, that enable drivers of cars and passengers to locate one another, whether or not through third parties, and to request, provide and pay for carriage through the medium of their smartphones.
The use of Uber in Hong Kong has no doubt been prevalent in Hong Kong. However, the legality of it has been questioned by many, for example, where Uber is running a business without licence as a taxi driver do.
In the following section, we would explore whether the service of Uber or Uber Taxi is legal or illegal.