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The Government said today (June 5) that it had received the recommendations in the Report on Review of Taxi Operation from the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) and accepted all the recommendations on the mode of taxi charging, mode of service as well as enhancement of the taxi service quality.
On taxi fare structure, the Government agreed that the taxi trade should keep pace with times and noted that TAC's recommendation on taxi fare structure policy would facilitate taxi fares to be set in line with market conditions and be more competitive. In handling future applications for taxi fare adjustment, the Government will adopt this new policy on taxi fare structure and continue to take into account all relevant factors under the existing taxi fare adjustment mechanism.
Regarding fare bargaining by passengers, the Government concurred with the TAC's views that taxi passengers should pay according to the meter, similar to other public transport passengers paying the stipulated fares. The Transport Department will reinforce publicity in this respect.
As far as new modes of taxi services are concerned, the department will have discussions with the taxi trade to work out detailed arrangements for introducing premium taxis and personalised fixed route fixed fare taxi service.
The Government also welcomed the TAC's suggestions on enhancing the quality of taxi services. Relevant departments will work together with a view to implementing the recommendations early next year.
Ends/Thursday, June 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:05
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