Latest news with #GaryZhang
RTHK
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- RTHK
Lawmakers suggest tweaks to ride-hailing plan
Lawmakers suggest tweaks to ride-hailing plan A Legco panel heard that taxi drivers are concerned about their rivals undercutting them by providing customers with steep discounts. File photo: RTHK A majority of lawmakers at a Legco transport panel meeting on Friday backed the government's plan to license ride-hailing operators, although some called for changes. The government wants to introduce a licensing system for ride-hailing platforms, their drivers and the vehicles used. Transport sector lawmaker Frankie Yick said taxi drivers are concerned about their rivals undercutting them by providing customers with steep discounts. "Taxi regulations prohibit fare-cutting to attract customers, so discounts like 20 percent off are actually illegal. However, if platforms can offer cheaper services, it explains why the taxi industry is so agitated," he said. "Some platforms charge HK$20 for a ride that should cost HK$80, leaving taxi drivers feeling helpless." Gary Zhang said the proposed age limit for vehicles is too lenient. "In other cities with ride-hailing regulations, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and London, the typical age limit is around three to five years. Our initial regulation of seven years could potentially allow vehicles to be on the road for over a decade, which I think is too lenient for Hong Kong's situation," he said. Chan Pui-leung, meanwhile, noted that while the government has proposed a limit on the number of vehicles that can be given a licence for ride-hailing services, it is not suggesting a limit on the number of drivers that can use them. He also expressed concern that some vehicle owners might secure a licence under the quota system but then not offer any services. Chan suggested a vehicle owner should lose their ride-hailing licence if they don't provide a minimum number of journeys. Transport Secretary Mable Chan said it is hoped the licensing requirements will eliminate market uncertainty and allow the taxi sector and ride-hailing services to coexist and develop smoothly. "The government's proposed framework for regulating online ride-hailing services puts the interests of citizens first. Our goal is to make citizens safer when travelling, with more choices and better point-to-point transportation services," she said.
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's MTR Corp may face HK$19.2 million fine for 5-hour service disruption
Hong Kong's rail giant could face a penalty of HK$19.2 million (US$2.4 million) for Thursday's five-hour suspension caused by malfunctions in both the power supply and signalling system, with the MTR Corp under mounting pressure to overhaul its overhead cable system and speed up inspections using technology. Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu said on Friday that a delay of more than three but less than four hours would incur a fine of HK$9.6 million, with each of the following hours costing HK$4.8 million, citing the penalty mechanism for rush hour delays after a train fault. 'This would come to about HK$19.2 million, which is my estimate,' Zhang said, adding that 'part of an hour would also be charged as an hour' given the delay was just over five hours. 'I know that the engineering staff took a long time to decipher what went wrong. To improve on this, we could use more real-time data analysis and more sensors that provide real-time data to help staff identify problems faster,' he said. Rail operator the MTR Corporation said on Thursday its preliminary investigation found that the breakdown was triggered by a displaced overhead cable component in a tunnel section that led to a short circuit. The incident had caused long queues outside Tiu Keng Leng station, with hundreds of passengers waiting for shuttle services. Crowds also packed pavements outside North Point station as commuters waited for public buses and taxis. The suspension also resulted in lengthy traffic jams between Wan Chai and Island East, and between the Eastern Harbour Tunnel and Kai Tak.
RTHK
23-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
MTR slammed for taking five hours to resume services
MTR slammed for taking five hours to resume services Hundreds of passengers are left stranded at Tiu Keng Leng station when services along the entire Tseung Kwan O line were suspended during the evening rush hour on Thursday. Photo: RTHK Lawmaker Gary Zhang said he was highly unsatisfied over MTR Corporation's having taken more than five hours to resume services on its Tseung Kwan O line in wake of Thursday's evening rush hour suspension that left thousands of people stranded. The rush-hour suspension of services along the entire Tseung Kwan O line has been blamed on multiple system failures, including signalling problems and a power supply trip. Speaking on an RTHK programme on Friday, Zhang, chairman of the Legislative Counci's railway subcommittee, pointed out that the MTR has already experienced multiple serious service delays or suspensions this year. "For example, like in February and also in April, there were two very serious incidents involving engineering trains on the East Rail line, each causing several hours of delay," he said. "So I would say this year the MTR service performance is highly unsatisfactory." Zhang, a former MTRC engineer, said that even with daily inspections, overhead cable components – which supply electricity to train systems – can still fail. He urged the railway operator to expedite the installation of real-time sensors along the tracks to help engineers understand the cause of problems and shorten repair times. From his understanding, he said, the MTR may be experimenting with such technology, but they have yet to be fully implemented across the network. Increasing staffing levels for maintenance teams could also help, Zhang noted, saying that according to his knowledge, the MTR has been experiencing persistent staff shortages in recent years. Zhang also said he went to Tseung Kwan O station for on-site observations on Thursday night and noticed many passengers stranded on the platform, waiting for train services to resume. This shows MTR staff need further training, he said, particularly in emergency response or contingency handling capabilities. Regarding the possible penalties to be imposed on the MTR, Zhang said that based on his preliminary calculations, the railway giant could face a fine of about HK$18 million.
RTHK
19-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Reports removed to ensure accuracy: Ombudsman
Reports removed to ensure accuracy: Ombudsman The Office of The Ombudsman says old reports may contain information that is "misleading". File photo: RTHK The Office of The Ombudsman said on Monday that it has removed investigation reports that are 'no longer up to date' from its website, saying that old reports could contain information that misleads the public. In the statement, the Ombudsman said it reviews content on its website from time to time to ensure its accuracy and relevance, noting "only [reports] from the past three years" are being retained on its website following the latest update. It said people can apply for information that is not available on its website by completing a form online, email or in writing, starting on Tuesday. The office added that it had also removed old reports and only retained those from the last decade during its previous website update in 2022. The 'Code on Access to Information', a category which listed out complaints filed by citizens was also removed from the website. Writing on social media on Monday, lawmaker Gary Zhang described the move as a step backwards, saying it is a key responsibility of the office to maintain transparency. 'If the Ombudsman relaxes its own standards, this will send the wrong message to officials it monitors. I really don't hope to see this kind of domino effect, which is a step backwards in being transparent and open,' he wrote. In a letter to Ombudsman Jack Chan, social welfare lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen also expressed concern and requested a thorough explanation. Tik said the Ombudsman's duty to monitor government departments is based on openness and transparency. He urged the office to restore all removed reports to its website and bring back the 'Code on Access to Information'.
