***********************************************************
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (October 30) the review of the Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) of MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL).
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "While seeing the advantages of having an objective, transparent and direct-drive formula in determining adjustment of MTR fares, members also well understand the public's calls for public affordability as well as MTRCL profitability and service performance to be taken into consideration in the adjustment of MTR fares."
Members of the TAC offered views on the formula of the existing FAM as well as new possible components to be introduced into the FAM.
"We hope that the Administration and MTRCL will take on board views collected in the public consultation exercise, and work in collaboration for the common goal of devising a new FAM that can reasonably meet public expectations, but without undermining MTRCL's financial sustainability and commitment to deliver and sustain quality railway service for the community of Hong Kong," Mr Kwok added.
TAC Members were also briefed on the traffic accident trends and the priority actions to further enhance road safety.
Members noted that as a result of the concerted efforts of various parties, Hong Kong's traffic fatalities have dropped by more than 70 per cent in the past three decades. The fatality rate per million in the Hong Kong population is among the lowest in the world. The Administration will continue to step up efforts to further enhance road safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents and casualties.
"Members welcome the Administration's plan to explore the further integration of traffic accident data with relevant clinical data in order to facilitate research and formulation of more effective road safety strategies and crash prevention measures," Mr Kwok said.
Ends/Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:19
NNNN