A fare fight? What Hong Kong’s ride-hailing shake-up means for passengers

With eight companies vying for licences to provide ride-hailing services in Hong Kong under the new regulatory regime, industry observers expect a price war that will initially benefit passengers through lower fares.

But some warned that competition could eventually force weaker operators out of the market, leaving dominant players free to raise prices.

“The ride-hailing firms will fight to reduce fares in the beginning to grab their loyal customers,” said Chau Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong...