XN000022-1973-12-28 — Page 13

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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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