Driving close to illegality : Uber drivers in Hong Kong are enjoying gig economy’s flexibility and taking the risks of precarious working conditions

Abstract

The global rise of the gig economy has been associated with the growth of new companies offering smartphone-enabled dispatch services for ridesharing vehicles, taxis, trucks, and vans. One of the most controversial models is ride-hailing services. Unlike other countries, Hong Kong has not legalised the ride-hailing service, yet the number of ride-hailing drivers, especially Uber drivers, continues to increase. In view of this phenomenon, this study tries to understand the rationales behind ride-hailing service providers in Hong Kong, by exploring their current mode of operation, their working life, and how they respond to the existing policy. We have adopted a qualitative research approach, involving semi-structured interviews with nine Uber drivers in Hong Kong. The obtained data suggested that the influence of the social atmosphere and the socio-economic characteristics of the participants directly contributed to the rationale of engagement in Uber and shaped the decision to engage in this practice. One of the main motivating factors for being an Uber driver is the work flexibility. The benefits of stable income and work-life balance are other factors that keep participants involved in this illegal ride-hailing service. Furthermore, the participants appeared to grudgingly accept the rules of the game and admit that this service operates in violation of the law. Interestingly, they did not experience guilt or shame, and instead, provided “reasonable” justifications for their involvement in what is evidently illegal in the country. Although this study cannot generalise the experiences of Uber drivers in Hong Kong, it does offer insights into the rationale and motivations of Uber drivers, and the tensions faced in driving along the lines of illegality.