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Friday, December 28, 1973
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"But the figures provided did not prove anything, so the exact
requirements were spelt out again to the association.
"It was explained that applications for taxi fare increases
must be considered against the same criteria for increases of bus, tram
and ferry fares.
"There was no question of approving taxi fare increases unless a
good cage was made out, and the case must demonstrate what the increase
should reasonably be.
"This has somehow been misinterpreted as an outright refusal by
the Government to consider a Kowloon fare increase," he said.
"In fact, on the basis of more recent figures supplied by a taxi
operators association, it is possible that the Government may prove sympathetic
towards the request, but the decision lies with the Governor in Council and
it is not possible at this stage to say more."
The Transport Department welcomed the statements by responsible
officials of the taxi operators associations for taxi men to exercise patience,
he added.
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