Probe Why Taxi Firm Ditched Uber Deal: Lawmaker

IT sector lawmaker Charles Mok says the government should investigate what led to a taxi firm pulling out of a planned deal with Uber.

Tin Shing Motors was to join with the ride hailing firm's new offer, Uber Flash, but pulled out at the last moment after some other taxi firms criticised them and accused them of being "traitors" to the trade.

Mok said authorities need to investigate reports which allege the owner of Tin Shing received threats, as well as calls from insurance companies who said they may cancel his insurance.

"Now to me, that sounds like criminal activities or even anti-competitive practice," he said. "So I do believe that the government, in spite of what it thinks about Uber's other activities – being illegal under current law and so on, they should look into this matter. This is very serious."

Mok also said he believed many taxi drivers welcomed Uber as a way to bring them more business, as the domination of the market by the taxi trade usually benefited the taxi licence holders, and not the drivers.

Uber launched its new service on Tuesday without Tin Shing Motors, saying some individual taxi owners have joined them. The new service matches people looking for a ride with nearby taxis, with fares and payments settled through the existing Uber app.

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