Government statement on Franchised Taxi Services Bill
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The Government noted the decision of the Bills Committee on Franchised Taxi Services Bill today to discontinue the scrutiny of the Bill and expressed deep regret over its decision.
Since the introduction of the Bill into the Legislative Council (LegCo) in May 2019, the Government has been fully co-operative with the Bills Committee with regard to the scrutiny of the Bill, explaining the policies in relation to franchised taxis and the content of the Bill as well as listening to the views of LegCo Members and the public. Since the Bills Committee has decided to discontinue the scrutiny of the Bill, the Government will not resume the Second Reading debate on the Bill in this legislative year.
The franchised taxi proposal in the Bill is the outcome of years of consultation with the trade and different stakeholders, which has struck a balance among various considerations. The Government still considers the introduction of franchised taxis can meet the new demand in the community for personalised and point-to-point public transport services of higher quality with online hailing features. The Government will take into account the views of the public and relevant circumstances when considering whether to re-introduce the Bill into LegCo in the next LegCo term.
Ends/Monday, June 1, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:18
Issued at HKT 19:18
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