Wednesday, March 6, 1974
STANDARD $2 FLAGFALL FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS INTRODUCED
A new standard fare of $2 for the first mile for taxis operating
on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon has been approved by the Governor in
Council.
The subsequent charges will be calculated at 20 cents for each
one fifth of a mile, which is the current rate for Hong Kong.
In announcing the fare revision today, a government spokesman
said that the decision had been taken after a detailed examination of the
economics of the taxi trade following requests for higher fares from taxi
operators on both sides of the harbour.
The spokesmen pointed out that taxi fares had not increased for
more than 25 years, and during this period there has been a very substantial
increase in operating costs.
It is estimated that the cost of a new vehicle has doubled,
drivers' wages trebled, the price of fuel increased fourfold and rents for
garages up tenfold. In fact the cost of fuel to taxi operators has increased
from $2.90 a gallon before October 26, 1973 to $4.15 a gallon now,
Commenting on the decision, the spokesman said that the fare rise
had only been approved after very careful consideration of its implications
on the cost of transport.
It was felt, however, that to refuse the application it might have
a serious effect on the viability of the taxi trade which plays an important
part in our public transport system.
The spokesman
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.