ENG-1994 — Page 312

TRANSPORT

Taxis

At the end of 1994, there were 15 250 urban taxis, 2 838 New Territories taxis and 40 Lantau taxis, carrying a daily average of 1094 000, 201 000 and 2050 passengers, respectively.

The Transport Advisory Committee completed in February a taxi policy review which made recommendations to improve the taxi licensing system, fare structure and quality of service. Following approval by the Executive Committee in April, steps have been taken to implement the recommendations in stages.

Non-Franchised Bus Operators

Residents' coach services were introduced in 1982 to give commuters an additional choice of transport modes. These services operate primarily during peak hours, supplementing services provided by the franchised bus operators. They are flexible in responding to local demands. This helps to keep down the number of franchised buses that would otherwise be needed during rush hours and left idle during off-peak hours. Residents' organisations may invite a non-franchised bus operator to operate a service under a passenger service licence issued by the Transport Department. Residents' services operate in accordance with approved schedules, which specify the routings, timetables and stopping places.

At the end of the year, there were 101 residents' services running 87 135 passenger-trips a day. Vehicles used on these services ranged from small coaches to double-decker buses. During the year, 18 residents' services were introduced, providing bus services from residential areas mainly in the New Territories, the Mid-Levels and the southern part of Hong Kong Island.

Non-franchised bus operators also serve the needs of factory employees, tourists and students on a group hire basis.

At the end of 1994, the licensed fleet of non-franchised buses totalled 4 098 vehicles, of which 245 were double-deckers. An increasing proportion of these vehicles were air- conditioned.

The Port

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In 1994, Hong Kong's port remained the world's busiest container port, handling more than 10 million TEUS (20-foot equivalent units). It also remained one of the busiest in terms of vessel arrivals and departures, and cargo and passenger throughput. Some 185 000 ocean- going and river trade vessels arrived in Hong Kong. These vessels handled over 141 million tonnes of cargo and over 21 million international passengers, most of whom were carried on the world's largest fleet of high-speed ferries.

Container handling, vessel arrivals and departures, cargo, and passenger numbers saw a growth rate in 1994 of 20.1 per cent, 12 per cent, 15 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively, compared with 1993.

Details of international movements of vessels, passengers and cargo are given at Appendix 41.

The port has always been, and continues to be, crucial to Hong Kong's economy and prosperity. It handles about 88 per cent, by weight, of the territory's trade. Port and related industries generate about 15 per cent of Hong Kong's gross domestic product, provide some 350 000 jobs and keep 17 per cent of all companies in business.

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