**********************************************************
In response to media enquiries about press reports on possible actions by the taxi trade to block up traffic, a government spokesman calls on the taxi trade to stay calm and express views in a peaceful manner.
The spokesman said today (December 6) that the Government had maintained close communication with the taxi trade and another meeting with New Territories taxi trade associations would be held on Tuesday (December 9). The Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council will discuss the fare adjustment application of the NT taxi trade on Thursday (December 11), to be followed by advancement of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting originally scheduled by the end of December. After the Legislative Council and the TAC have been consulted, the application will be submitted to the Chief Executive in Council for approval.
The spokesman stressed that there were established channels for the government to consult the taxi trade and the door to communication was always open. Apart from taxi trade conferences being held regularly to listen to the views of the urban, NT and Lantau taxi sectors, the Transport Department also welcomes feedback and suggestions from individual taxi groups.
Ends/Saturday, December 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:28
NNNN
