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Whilst China Motor Bus and North Lantau have no immediate plans to introduce super low-floor buses, CMB has indicated an interest in seeing the low-floor double-decker bus, when it arrives, in order to consider whether it is suitable for introduction on its own routes.

Since the last summit Rehabus has expanded its service considerably. By next March scheduled routes will have increased from 41 to 53. Rehabus has also strengthened its full dial-a-ride service by adding two more vehicles to its fleet of nine. Three larger and better designed vehicles will also be delivered in March next year to further improve the services.

In response to a suggestion that the Rehabus services should provide connections to more MTR stations, a scheduled Rehabus route connecting Ngau Tau Kok Station to the United Christian Hospital has been on trial since August 1996.

Many other suggestions made at previous meetings have also been considered by the Commissioner for Transport's Working Group and where it has proved possible, they have been implemented or are being tried. For example:

Membership of the Working Group has been expanded to include representatives of taxi and mini-bus operators. Dropped kerbs have been on trial at a number of taxi stands and consideration is being given to expanding the scheme to include more taxi stands.

The taxi permit scheme, which permits the pick-up and drop-down in restricted zones of passengers with adisability has been improved and extended to cover disabled private car passengers.

All new buses operated by Citybus are fitted with a PA system and drivers are being encouraged in its use. KMB is testing the use of such equipment on its own buses.

KMB, CMB and Citybus have agreed to provide training programmes for ex- mentally-ill persons on how to make use of their bus services. Two sessions have already been provided by CMB.

An additional 34 reserved parking spaces have been designated over the territory for disabled drivers.

To make ferries even more user-friendly for disabled people the ferry companies have installed more call bells at pier entrances to enable disabled passengers to obtain staff assistance.

Clearly, this catalogue of improvements together with other improvements that have been made or are planned, constitute a very welcome move forward.

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