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*This guide may help taxi drivers to improve the quality of their services," said the spokesman.

The spokesman noted that one of the major disputes between drivers and passengers is when a baggage charge should be levied. In the guide, it suggests the charge can be levied on:

every piece of baggage to be carried inside the luggage compartment; or

every piece of baggage with a total dimension (length + width + height) exceeding 140 centimetres to be carried inside the passenger compartment.

The rule was agreed by various taxi operators' and drivers' associations during an earlier consultation.

"It can help remove disputes between taxi drivers and passengers on the definition of a baggage on which a surcharge can be levied according to the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulation," the spokesman said.

Other topics in the guide include: permitted operating areas of taxis, taxi fares, obligations and conduct of taxi drivers and passengers, what to do when an "Out of Service" sign is displayed, cross-harbour taxi stands, offences and complaint hotlines.

First published in 1989, the guide which is in its third edition will be available for collection by the public from Tuesday (July 9) at the outlets below:

Public service enquiries centres of all district offices;

Licensing offices of the Transport Department;

Information and gift centres of the Hong Kong Tourist Association;

Customer services centres at Kowloon-Canton Railway Stations;

Travel services centres at Mass Transit Railway Stations;

Transport Complaints Unit

Taxi associations who wish to collect the guide in large quantities for their members may contact Mr M F Tsoi of the Transport Department on 2804 2578.

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