XN000022-1974-03-06 — Page 6

Wednesday, March 6, 1974

5.

The spokesman said that with the introduction of the uniform

fare, the present zoning system will be abolished.

This will enable taxis

to operate on either side of the harbour as is the case with all other

vehicles, including public light buses and public cars.

The dezoning will increase taxi availability to meet heavy demands

caused by regular events and special occasions, such as race days and

festivals. These demands cannot be met under the present arrangements.

The new fares will come into effect at 0001 on Sunday (March 10)

morning. This delay will take into account the time needed by the Transport

Department to issue a temporary conversion table which must be displayed

in all taxis until their meters can be recalibrated, tested and sealed at

the new rate.

Any taxi whose meter has not been converted, and in which the table

is not displayed will have to charge the amount shown on the existing meter.

The actual conversion of the meters is expected to take some weeks

as almost 4,800 vehicles are involved.

With the abolition of the zoning system, the existing $15 cross-

harbour surcharge (by tunnel or vehicular ferry) is to be reduced to $10.

This will allow $5 for the return journey across the harbour to compensate

for any loss if the taxi were unable to collect a fare back to its original

side of the harbour.

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