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Uber announced today it is doubling down on its commitment to support the Hong Kong taxi industry with the introduction of the ‘Uber + Taxi, Better Together’ Industry Investment Program. This program follows the recent announcement to acquire HKTaxi, and will combine both Uber and HKTaxi’s technological innovation and industry know-how, as well as listen to what challenges the industry faces,  to contribute to the growth and revitalization of the industry.

Uber invests HK$3.6 million to support the growth of the industry

Taxis are an important part of Hong Kong’s transportation network and history, however there has been an increase in driver shortage which leaves taxi vehicles idle and unrented. Uber is investing HK$3.6 million in a Taxi Driving License Rebate Scheme to help new drivers join the taxi industry and create more job opportunities. In collaboration with Hung Chun Driving School, the initiative will offer taxi drivers a HK$1,000 rebate after enrolling in Hung Chun’s taxi driving and pre-service courses, passing the written exam, and obtaining their taxi licence. Drivers who register with Uber Taxi will also be eligible for an additional HK$800 upon completing five Uber Taxi trips.

“We’re proud to partner with Uber to help reinvigorate and attract new talent to the taxi industry”, said Patrick Chang, Managing Director of Hung Chun Driving School. “Through this meaningful collaboration, we will provide new taxi drivers with practical learning experiences, empower them with tricks of the trade and offer best practices to foster the next-generation of taxi drivers to better serve riders across Hong Kong. More importantly, this scheme will lessen the financial burden for those wanting to join the workforce and allow new taxi drivers to start generating income.”

The Taxi Driving License Rebate Scheme aims to tackle several ongoing challenges that the industry has been facing as a result of the pandemic and beyond, including the succession gap due to an ageing taxi driver population which is leaving as many as 30% of taxis vacant without drivers. The recent acquisition of e-hailing app HKTaxi and the launch of the new “Uber + Taxi, Better Together” Industry Investment Program will allow Uber and HKTaxi to play an integral role in building the future of transport in Hong Kong and help reinvigorate the taxi industry.

Tip Matching for every Uber Taxi ride

Uber is also introducing an all-new limited-time offer Uber Taxi Double-the-tip Program available from now till the end of the year (31 December 2021), where Uber will match each dollar amount a rider tips their Uber taxi driver-partner. For example, if a rider tips the taxi driver-partner HK$20, Uber will match a HK$20 reward to the taxi driver-partner. 

All new Area Preference feature for an easy shift change

To help Uber Taxi driver-partners gain more control over where and when they drive, such as planning their journey prior to returning their rental vehicles at the end of their shifts, Uber is introducing an Area Preference feature for taxi driver-partners to preset their area preference to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon or the New Territories one hour a day, so they get matched to riders traveling towards the same area. The feature will be gradually rolled out to all Uber Taxi driver-partners by October.

“The ‘Uber + Taxi, Better Together’ Industry Investment Program is one of the many steps Uber and HKTaxi will take as partners to contribute to the taxi industry,” said Kay Lui, Co-founder of HKTaxi. “We’ve joined forces to introduce a program that can bring tangible benefits to more taxi drivers and expand earnings opportunities. We are excited to be a part of the taxi industry’s growth. We look forward to seeing more bright and young talents join the workforce and enjoy the benefits e-hailing apps can offer.”

Estyn Chung, General Manager of Uber Hong Kong added, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to join hands with industry partners such as Hung Chung Driving School, in an effort to create new earning opportunities for new taxi drivers, help improve long term taxi rental occupancy, and bring greater convenience to riders. The launch of Uber Flash in 2019, Uber Taxi in 2020, welcoming HKTaxi to Uber, and ongoing conversations with taxi owners and drivers, have provided us with a deeper understanding of the industry’s needs as well as the challenges taxi drivers face. Our announcement today along with our ongoing investments reinforce Uber’s commitment to the taxi industry. Our team on the ground will continue to work very closely with HKTaxi to play a more integral role in Hong Kong’s next phase of growth in the smart mobility sector.”