The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (December 20) supported the proposal for increasing the maximum seating capacity of light buses. The TAC also discussed the fare increase applications submitted by the urban, New Territories and Lantau taxi trade.

     The TAC was briefed at the meeting today on the Government's proposal for increasing the maximum seating capacity of public light buses (PLBs) (i.e. green minibuses and red minibuses) from 16 seats to 19 seats, as well as the implementation details. The same seating capacity increase would also apply to private light buses.

     The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Members support the Government's proposal for increasing the maximum seating capacity of PLBs to 19 seats. The proposal should be able to meet passenger demand and reduce waiting time without generating additional traffic flow and increasing the burden on road traffic. Members understand that the main considerations of the Government when deciding on the suitable maximum seating capacity are the supply and demand for PLB services and the need to maintain the delicate balance amongst various public transport services."

     Members also understood that PLB operators may in future take into account the operational conditions and passenger demand in deciding on their own whether to increase the seating capacity of their PLBs and the exact number of seats to be added, as well as the implementation timing.

     The Government will take forward the necessary legislative amendment exercise for increasing the maximum seating capacity of light buses, and plan to introduce the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the second quarter of 2017.

     On the taxi fare increase applications, Mr Kwok said, "The TAC notes the operating situation and financial position of the taxi trade. In deliberating the applications, we have considered and balanced all relevant factors, including the financial viability of taxi operation and public acceptability.

     "The TAC will submit its recommendation to the Government for consideration by the Chief Executive-in-Council."
 

Ends/Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:21

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