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Mr Leung said that in anticipation of increased traffic using Route 7, noise mitigation measures had been taken, such as using noise reducing surfacing on road decks and installing double glazing to windows and air conditioning to some 3,000 dwellings along Connaught Road West.
"This reflects the continuous effort of the Government in reducing the environmental impact of new projects on affected residence," he said.
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TAC endorses ferry fare increase applications
At the meeting held this (Tuesday) afternoon, the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) endorsed an 8.35 per cent fare increase for Hongkong & Yaumati The Ferry (HYF) and a 7.52 per cent fare increase for Star Ferry (SF). recommendation would be submitted to Executive Council for consideration. The new fares are to take effect in June 1997.
HYF and SF last increased their fares in January and March 1996 respectively. The TAC noted that both companies had suffered from rising operating costs and falling patronage. If the recommended fare increase is implemented, SF is expected to make a small profit in 1997. As for HYF, even with the recommended fare increase, it would still suffer substantial losses in 1997 and 1998.
The recommended fare increase would mean about 86 per cent of HYF's passengers would have to pay 20 cents to $1 more per trip. As for SF, about two thirds of its passengers would have to pay no more than 20 cents per trip, and one third of them would not be affected.
The proposed fare increases for HYF and SF are both below the forecast inflation rates between their last fare increases and June 1997 when the recommended new fares come into effect.
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