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USAUber has been in operation in Hong Kong for some time. Anybody who lives in Hong Kong will appreciate the coming of on-demand sharing companies like Uber. Uber started with the black car when it was first launched in Hong Kong but has added later UberTaxi and UberVan.
Uber is not the only on-demand sharing car service in Hong Kong. KuaidiONE has joined Uber and hopefully, more companies will be joining the fray. The on-demand car service has allowed many residents of Hong Kong to avoid buying their own cars, which will be likely parked 90 percent of the time. Even with the on-demand car service becoming highly popular and available in Hong Kong, car ownership in the territory still grow by up to 40 percent each year while the Hong Kong roads get crowded. The growth of limousine rental services have also been growing.
Uber started their Hong Kong operations with the UberBlack, which offered to subcategories: sedan and 7-seater. UberBlack offered great comfort for riders who are looking for bigger legroom. Unfortunately, Uber later allowed other car models to be part of the UberBlack fleet, with those other car models offering smaller legroom.
The Hong Kong residents were not wanting in other forms of rides. Ever since, taxis operate in large numbers in the city. There are supposed to be taxis everywhere. As in most big cities in the world, taxis are common sights on the road. But not necessarily when you need them. Especially during rush hours and when it rains, which incidentally in Hong Kong could be pouring, it will be difficult, if not outright impossible, to get a taxi. Another common form of transportation is limousine rentals.
When it is raining, one has to be creative and patient in getting a taxi. It is a common experience of Hong Kong residents to walk down to the beginning of the busy street to find a taxi that has not been scooped up yet by other waiting passengers. You need to brave the rain and the wind to find a taxi that is not occupied yet.
Hong Taxi fares are cheap compared to the rates of Uber. The flag fare of a Hong Kong taxi is HK$22 and HK$8 per additional kilometer. In comparison, UberBlack has a HK$25 base fare and HK$1.50 per minute. A HK$75 ride is equivalent to HK$95 on Uber.
But the advantage of the taxi over Uber ends there. While taxi fares are cheaper than Uber’s, there is a world of difference in service and in the condition of the cars. While you have to wait and walk a distance to get your taxi ride, the Uber car will pick you up right where you are. While most Hong Taxis are using old model and out of safety design cars, Uber uses new and top model cars. For those who would like to book days in advance, there are limousine rental companies ready to take reservations.
The comfort of Uber and its availability when you need it has allowed Hong Kong residents avoid buying a car whose parking spot will cost the owner around HK$5,000 a month.
Partners mentioned in this article:
Audi A6L
- 3
- 2
The Audi A6L is a popular car with Chinese businessmen and senior government officials.
Cities:
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong; Kowloon, Hong Kong; New Territories, Hong Kong
Mercedes Benz Viano
- 6
- 2
With an emphasis on elegance and luxury our uniformed chauffeurs and immaculately presented cars cannot fail to impress.
Cities:
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong; Kowloon, Hong Kong; New Territories, Hong Kong
Honda Accord
- 3
- 2
The Honda Accord is a popular car with Chinese businessmen and senior government officials.
Cities:
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong; Kowloon, Hong Kong; New Territories, Hong Kong
T0Y0TA Vellfire/Alphard
- 6
- 2
6 to 7-Seaters Available Full leather seats Double sunroof Automatic double switches Free wi-fi; phone charger; mineral water
Cities:
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Hyundai Elantra
- 3
- 2
The Elantra delivers strong safety and "class above" roominess in a intermediate classed vehicle.
Cities:
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong; Kowloon, Hong Kong; New Territories, Hong Kong
Mercedes Benz S-Class 350
- 3
- 3
4-Seaters Available Full leather seats Full electric adjustable front and rear seats Super spacious Executive backseat Panoramic skylight Free wi-fi; phone charger; mineral water
Cities:
Kowloon, Hong Kong
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