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Mr Barma added that over the past year, the Transport Branch had held meetings with transport operators and disabled groups to review plans and to explore what more could be done.
"We are delighted to be a partner to continue to co- ordinate, establish standards, and work out an agreed implementation programme.
"This concerted effort is extremely important, and all parties should work together," he said.
The Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, reported that since 1992, scheduled Rehabus routes increased by 20 per cent from 34 to 41 routes. Also, the Dial-A-Ride Service had gone up by 30 per cent in the number of passenger trips. She added that she intended to bid for more resources to expand these services further.
Commenting on the Disability Discrimination Bill, which was introduced into the Legislative Council today, Mrs Fok said the Bill would provide a means of redress if reasonable requests from disability groups were not met by equally reasonable response.
"We hope to see all parties working constructively towards a practical and balanced programme of change to enhance the accessibility of public transport.
"We aim through the Bill to achieve a fair balance between the needs of disabled people and the rest of the community," she said.
Following the meeting, the Governor toured an exhibition and demonstration of buses with passenger- friendly features. A private passenger car and a motor tricycle specially modified for use by disabled drivers were also displayed.
End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995
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