NT taxi fares poised for 20pc cut
Taxi fares in the New Territories could be 20 per cent cheaper within months if Legco's transport panel gives its backing tomorrow.
An official of the Environment Transport and Works Bureau is seeking lawmaker's approval to grant immediate temporary fare concessions for New Territories taxis.
The official will inform the panel that the bureau intends to go ahead with its plan to seek approval from the Chief Executive-in-Council to implement the proposed concession immediately.
The bureau insists the proposed concession is backed by a majority of drivers in the New Territories and would benefit passengers.
But objections have been raised by the New Territories Taxi Drivers' Association and the New Territories Taxi Operation Concern Group.
The bureau said the 10 New Territories taxi associations, consisting of 4,800 operators and representing about 80 per cent of the trade, had reaffirmed support for the fare cut.
They also have threatened to withdraw the concession application if the panel insists on a proposed survey.
