ECONOMIC hardship and complex fare arrangements are driving more Kowloon taxi drivers to look across the harbour for fares.
Drivers have also formed the view that customers on Hong Kong Island are more polite and friendly.
A taxi union yesterday admitted some drivers on the Kowloon side had moved to Hong Kong island but said it remained a small number.
'Only those familiar with Hong Kong Island would do it,' Kowloon Taxi Owners Association chairman Yum Tai-ping said.
'Kowloon taxi drivers without a good knowledge of the place are likely to finish up on the receiving end of traffic tickets.' However, the association said a 30 per cent drop in operating turnover last year might provide the necessary incentive for more taxis to cross the harbour.
Another body, the Taxi Dealers and Owners Association, said drivers should be encouraged to become acquainted with all the road network.
