XN000022-1995-05-03 — Page 10

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The Governor summed up the meeting with the following points for further action:

* the guide book on public transport for the disabled would be updated;

the rail corporations would evaluate their various trial schemes and expand their existing improvement programmes;

a scheme would be drawn up for new low floor buses to be put into service on a trial basis;

* Rehabus services would be further expanded;

further summit would take place in a year's time to review progress.

Speaking at the same forum, the Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, said from a policy and planning point of view, it was important that the needs of the disabled were taken into account in the design and provision of new transport facilities.

"But, realistically, we also need to recognise and appreciate the constraints which face us.

"For example, I am sure the bus companies do recognise the problem for the wheelchair users. They are also keeping a close eye on the development of new bus models which will be wheelchair accessible. But changes involving the replacement of a bus fleet cannot be achieved overnight," he said.

Mr Barma said public transport operators in Hong Kong had a responsibility to carry some 10 million passengers around the city everyday.

"In that process they are trying their best to ensure that those with a disability are not denied the opportunity to use public transport. A carefully balanced approach needs to be taken.

"But what is encouraging is the determination to press ahead and experiment," he said.

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