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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (July 30) discussed the fare increase applications submitted by the taxi trades, operating right of the peak tramway, and performance of franchised buses in 2012.
"The TAC noted that the fare increase applications from the taxi trades were made on grounds of rising operating costs. In deliberating on the applications, we have considered and balanced all relevant factors including the financial viability of taxi operation and public acceptability," TAC Chairman Mr Larry Kwok said.
"The TAC will submit its recommendation to the Government for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council."
The TAC supported the Government's proposal to urgently amend the Peak Tramway Ordinance (Cap. 265) to provide for an operating right to the Peak Tramways Company Limited (PTC) for an interim period of two years, from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015.
"In proposing the two-year operating right, the Government has assessed carefully and is satisfied with PTC's safety and service performance during the current operating right period," said Mr Kwok.
Lastly, TAC Members noted that the franchised bus operators in general provided satisfactory bus services to the public in 2012. "The TAC noted that the franchised bus operators have made notable improvements in tackling lost trips, rationalising bus routes and enhancing the environmental performance of the bus fleet in 2012. While the Transport Department will continue to closely monitor franchised bus services, the operators should keep up their efforts," Mr Kwok said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:43
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