It was never a good idea—so why not kill it? The HK Taxi app by Uber is officially dead.

The headlines about Uber shutting down the HKTaxi app are long overdue. I never quite understood how Uber planned to maximize the acquisition of a taxi-related app in 2021. It seemed illogical and went against what Uber stood for; quality of service, efficiency and comfortable new cars.

Hong Kong taxis were in many cases, outdated—both in service and experience. Many are still poorly maintained, driven by ageing and often impolite drivers. The idea of integrating them into Uber’s ecosystem always felt like a bit of a cop-out or branding mismatch.

Nearly a year ago, I pointed out that our taxi industry needed a long overdue major shake-up, real innovation, and space granted for better alternative transport models to thrive. For a city that wants to be seen as a leader in technology, finance and innovation, relying on decades-old taxis with even older drivers and a movement-restricted model, sent the wrong message. Yet, when progress was suggested, the taxi industry’s response was to ask for protection of a monopoly position and even threaten strikes: as opposed to upping their game as Hong Kong usually does.
https://lnkd.in/gJtaCxDa

Perhaps shutting down this app is a step in the right direction, perhaps Uber wants to distance itself from taxis and more softly integrate them, I’ve not got any inside track on their strategy—but it’s only a transport band-aid. Just two days ago the SCMP reported the ‘Transport Advisory Committee’s Stephen Cheung urges the public to share opinions with him on how authorities can regulate ride-hailing apps’ he knows we need better.
https://lnkd.in/g48iP56g

Hong Kong can easily effect a full-scale restructuring of its taxi and mobility industry, but why is it taking so long? After all, for many tourists and business visitors, a taxi ride is their first real impression of the city. If that experience isn’t great, Hong Kong suffers.

If you need specific input regarding a strategic Hong Kong challenge or related legal matters in the HKSAR, you can always DM me and check out my profile at https://www.ajhalkes.com.

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