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The Chief Executive-in-Council today (January 22) approved the increase in the flagfall fare by $1 for urban and New Territories (NT) taxis. As the taxi fares are prescribed in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, legislative amendment to the regulations is necessary to effect the fare adjustment. The amendment will be tabled at the Legislative Council on January 30, 2008, for negative vetting. Upon completion of relevant procedures, the new fares will be implemented on February 28, 2008.
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "The taxi fare adjustment is made in response to the taxi trade¡¦s request to relieve the pressure due to the rising fuel price by the $1 fare increase."
In considering the application, the Government has taken into account factors including changes in revenues and operating costs, such as rental and fuel, since the last fare increase of NT taxis in 1997 and urban taxis in 1998, as well as the impact of the proposed fare increase on passengers and public acceptability.
"The Government appreciates that rentee-drivers of taxi trades have been facing increasing fuel costs and other operating difficulties. Approving the $1 increase of the flagfall fare should help relieve drivers' pressure brought by the rising operating costs," the spokesman said.
"The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) is conducting a review of taxi operation, with a view to strengthening the competitiveness of taxi service and benefiting the public. The review consultation will conclude on January 31, 2008. The Government hopes the review of taxi fare will further enhance the competitiveness of the taxi fare structure at various travelling distances and the current $1 fare increase adjustment will also be subsumed within this fare structure review."
The Chief Executive-in-Council has taken into account TAC's advice in considering the application. A copy of TAC's advice is attached.
Ends/Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:52
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