Long-awaited details on how ride-hailing services will be regulated in Hong Kong and the public consultation over the city’s first five-year plan led the local news this week. Read on for details about these top stories and others covered by the City desk.

In today’s edition:

• Ride-hailing rules inch forward

   

• 5-year plan takes key step

   

• Growth forecast remains steady

   

• Dates of holidays released

Ride-hailing rules inch forward

While residents have used ride-hailing services for years, the government has yet to regulate them.

Transport officials provided lawmakers with more information on planned enforcement powers, penalties and licensing arrangements. But the critical piece of the puzzle – how many vehicles will be allowed on the city’s roads – will only be revealed later. For an overview of what various stakeholders think the permit cap should be, click here.

Authorities also delayed their plan to lower the age threshold for mandatory medical certification for drivers of taxis and other commercial vehicles. Legislative proposals are now expected in the second half of the year.

Just a day earlier, a 70-year-old cabby lost control of his vehicle and drove onto a pavement, killing one woman and badly injuring another.

5-year plan takes key step

The SCMP exclusively reported that city leader John Lee will start consulting the public next month on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. An extensive publicity campaign is expected to promote the consultation.

Inside the government, the new constitutional and mainland affairs minister is gathering proposals from various departments. Will the government heed calls from a think tank led by Fung Investments chairman Victor Fung that Hong Kong should reposition itself as a “super value-adder” in the long run?

Growth forecast remains steady

In economic news, the government held steady with its estimate for annual growth, predicting expansion would fall between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent as forecast by finance chief Paul Chan in his February budget.

While the city recorded its fastest quarterly growth in nearly five years, at 5.9 per cent, the government warned that rising oil prices due to the war in the Middle East could drive inflation higher in the coming months.

Dates of holidays released

Finally, authorities released next year's official public holiday dates. Residents can enjoy an 11-day-long break over the Easter and Ching Ming holidays by applying for just four days of leave. You can find a breakdown of how best to line up your vacation days here.

Visit SCMP.com for these stories and more. Enjoy your weekend!

Politics

• Exclusive | Hong Kong to launch public consultation on 5-year blueprint ‘by early June’

   

• China backs Hong Kong courts, ignores calls to free Jimmy Lai ahead of Trump visit