***********************************************************
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (May 14) fare increase applications submitted by the urban, New Territories and Lantau taxi trades.
"The TAC noted the relevant operational aspects, including the increase in operating costs, particularly fuel costs, and financial positions of the taxi trades. When deliberating the fare increase applications, we have considered and balanced all relevant factors including public acceptability," the TAC Chairman Mr Rimsky Yuen said after the meeting.
"The TAC will submit its recommendation to the Government for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council."
TAC members were also briefed on the Highways Department's (HyD) trial use of thermal patcher in road maintenance work.
Mr Yuen said members noted that, as an environmentally friendly initiative, the HyD has included the use of thermal patcher for maintenance of bituminous pavement in the latest and future road maintenance contracts.
This technology reduces the generation of construction waste and noise as the device will heat up and soften the existing bitumen in a defective area and then mix it with the appropriate quantity of new material to form a seamless repaired surface on the pavement.
Ends/Monday, May 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:34
NNNN
