For discussion
on 24 June 1986
CONFIDENTIAL
HILL.
172/1
8
XCC(86)110 Copy No.
•
.2.q..
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
INTRODUCTION
CO-ORDINATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
IL
The purpose of this memorandum is to report the results of a Transport Branch review of internal public transport operations and to seek Members' advice on the recommendation that the existing practice of co-ordinating public transport should continue.
BACKGROUND
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Government's policy towards public tranport was first outlined in Legislative Council by the Attorney General in 1921, as follows:
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"A monopoly for a term of years is thought better than free competition for two reasons. In the first place, it will enable the Government, by controls of vehicles and fares and other things, to secure a better service, generally, for the public. It will also enable the Government to ensure that there shall be a service to certain outlying districts, from time to time, which probably would not be served under a system of free competition."
The policy in essence has not changed since. However 8 May 1979, Members were consulted on the initial fare structure for the Mass Transit Railway, and inter alia, advised and the Governor ordered that the following guidelines be followed with respect to the the development of routes and fares of other transport services:
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(a)
(b)
(c)
feeder bus service links to MTR stations would be provided;
if the operation of the MTR reduced demand for certain bus services, including the cross-harbour service, a reduction in such services would be made;
it was not Government policy deliberately to reduce competition provided by other forms of public transport to the MTR in order make the latter viable;
to
CONFIDENTIAL