One of Hong Kong’s first legal ride-hailing apps HKTaxi, founded in 2014 by Kay Lui and Maff Wong has been bought by Uber.
When it originally launched the HKTaxi app replaced many of the existing phone-based hailing systems. Now you can use the app to pay by Octopus or e-wallet, tip the driver in advance to encourage them to take your booking etc…
“HKTaxi has been able to transform the Hong Kong taxi industry by turning the traditional phone call taxi into a taxi booking app, allowing riders to easily find drivers and vice versa, and enabling electronic payment in the Hong Kong taxi industry. All these features and services greatly improve the overall user experience,” said backer Lap Man.
Uber Hong Kong General Manager Estyn Chung said of the deal “It is an honour to partner with them in bringing greater innovation and growth to the taxi industry. When people think of Uber they increasingly think of taxis, and this deal only emphasizes the importance we place in the sector, in both Hong Kong and around the world.”
images: HKTaxi, transitjam, bcmagazine