Police-1964-1965 — Page 40

168. At the end of the year, C.M.B. operated 31 routes, including two holiday services and three special services on race days. K.M.B. operated 64 routes, 38 in Kowloon, 25 in New Territories and one on Lantau Island.

169. Public omnibuses and public cars operated under non-exclusive franchises, granted by the Commissioner of Police to whcm authority has been delegated by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic (Public Omnibus and Public Car) Regulations 1961, provide services which include sightseeing tours, hotel and tourist agency transporta- tion, and school bus services. There were 106 public cmnibuses and 445 public cars at the end of the year. Public cars may also be hired on a self-drive basis.

170. The Commissioner of Police is the Authority under the Road Traffic (Taxis, Public Omnibuses and Public Cars) Regulations 1964. At the end of the year there were, 1,932 taxis registered, 680 Hong Kong taxis, 670 Kowloon taxis and 582 New Territories taxis.

171. In December additional taxi licences, hitherto allocated on a quota basis to existing companies, were put out to tender, the first time that this has been done in Hong Kong. Government decided to provide the opportunity for new operators to enter the business in this way and when tenders have been accepted, 550 more taxis will be licensed on the road, an increase of some 47% in the number of urban taxis.

172. A full-scale survey of passenger transport commenced in October, conducted by an officer from the Road Research Laboratory, who heads a unit staffed by personnel from the Public Works Department. To assist the officer-in-charge of the Hong Kong Passenger Transport Survey Unit an advisory committee has been formed, consisting of six members, with the Secretary, Advisory Committee on Public Transport, as Chairman; the Chief Superintendent of Police, Traffic Branch, serves on the committee.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

173. The Commissioner of Police is an ex-officio member of this Com- mittee which continued under its chairman, the Hon. Y. K. KAN, O.B.E., J.P. to consider and advise on all aspects of the public transport problem.

174. Effective liaison was maintained between the Committee and the Police Traffic Branch in the planning and implementation of improvements to the public transport services and facilities.

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