Hong Kong should not limit the number of vehicles licensed to provide ride-hailing services. In particular, every owner of an electric vehicle that complies with the regulations should, in principle, be able to obtain one on demand by paying the required fee.

Normal market forces, together with fees and other licensing requirements, will be sufficient to strike the right balance.

I have used ride-hailing services a lot recently. Knee replacement surgery has restricted my mobility, and I have a greater need for reliable point-to-point transport. I think that makes me as qualified as anyone else to comment on the government’s latest set of proposals for regulating ride-hailing services.

My experience has been instructive. The booked vehicle invariably arrives on time. It’s usually modern, clean and odourless. The driver has generally been younger and very polite with a good command of English.

I still use normal taxis where suitable. The drivers have generally been older; most vehicles have seen better days. In fairness, there are now some modern taxis and some younger drivers – welcome changes, for sure. When it comes to courtesy, the ability to use modern technology for navigation and English skills, it’s case by case. Some urban taxi drivers are still reluctant to cross Victoria Harbour but, overall, it could be said that the taxi service has improved in recent years.

The Transport Bureau circulated a discussion paper last week for consideration at a special meeting of the Legislative Council’s transport panel. It outlines the government’s views on regulating ride-hailing services following the enabling legislation last October.