Twenty-eight Uber drivers arrested in an undercover police operation last year were today fined between HK$3,800 to HK$4,500 (US$484 to US$573) for carrying passengers without permits.
According to RTHK, all 28 defendants were found guilty of driving a motor vehicle for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward at Kowloon Magistrates’ Court this afternoon. The 28 had earlier pleaded not guilty.
Coconuts HK reported in May that, since the crackdown, some Uber drivers have been working in fear that the next passenger they pick up could be an undercover cop.
Of the 28 drivers, 25 were fined HK$3,800. Two people were fined HK$4,000 and one was fined HK$4,500 because they had previously had their drivers licenses suspended, Apple Daily reports.
All defendants must pay their fines within two days.
Magistrate Joseph To Ho-shing this afternoon told the court that the guilty verdict was warranted as all 28 defendants provided rides with the intention of collecting a fare at the end of the trip despite not possessing the proper permits from the Transport Department (TD).
According to HK01, the defendants, ranging from age 22 to 60, comprise of 27 males and one female.
The same report states that the defendants came from various walks of life — among them are professional drivers, insurance brokers, company proprietors, students, teachers, and retirees. The youngest defendant is a 22-year-old male student.
The Road Traffic Ordinances stipulates a maximum fine of HK$5,000 (US$637) and a potential three-month jail term for carrying passengers for hire or reward without the necessary permits.
Most of the 30,000 Uber drivers operating in Hong Kong work without a private hire-car permit, which are traditionally allocated to limousine companies and hotel pick-up services.
In a statement sent to Coconuts HK, Uber said: “We are disappointed with today’s court decision, which denies driver-partners access to flexible economic opportunities and serves as a setback to Hong Kong becoming a smart city.”
“Uber is a service that is used by millions of people. Over 100 governments and cities in Asia and around the world have responded to ridesharing with regulations that allow this industry to flourish.”
The company points to the strong demand for ride-sharing in Hong Kong, citing a proposal by the Hong Kong Consumer Council’s proposal on regulating e-hailing services, and a public opinion poll carried out by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which found that 76 percent of those surveyed think there should alternative “point-to-point transport services” in the city like Uber.
The statement concludes: “Uber hopes to work together with the Government to provide mobility options that address the evolving needs of the people in Hong Kong through technology and innovation.”
