ENG-1999 — Page 308

TRANSPORT

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A consultancy study on measures to improve the quality of taxi services was commissioned in July. The study included the conduct of a passenger opinion survey to assess the level of passenger satisfaction with the existing taxi services; formulation of a taxi driver training programme; and a review of the basic requirements for obtaining a taxi driving licence. The study will be completed before mid-2000.

The trial on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) taxis was found to be successful. With a view to improving the environment, the Government has decided to allow taxis to operate on LPG. As at the end of 1999, 334 LPG taxis were operating on roads. With the completion of more LPG filling stations, the number of LPG taxis will continue to increase.

Ferries

Ferries provide an essential mode of transport for the Outlying Islands. In the inner harbour and for the new towns, ferries offer a supplementary mode of transport to buses and the railways. The franchise of the Star Ferry Company Limited (SF) to operate two franchised services from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and Wan Chai was extended for a period of 10 years starting April 1, 1998. SF carried about 72 000 passengers on the two franchised services daily in 1999. Fares ranged from $1.70 to $2.20 and passengers aged 65 and above enjoyed free travel on the two franchised services.

The franchise of the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company Limited (HYF) expired on March 31 and was not renewed. All its outlying island, new town and inner-harbour ferry services together with the Central-Hung Hom route previously operated by SF under franchise had been tendered out as licensed services in several packages in 1998. These licensed services, of which eight routes were awarded to HYF and two to SF, started operations in April. Following a spate of complaints on HYF's services, HYF subsequently transferred its licences, with the approval of the Commissioner for Transport, to New World First Ferry Services Limited which would take over the operation of these services from mid-January 2000. The new ferry operator is subject to the original terms of HYF's licences and, as with all other ferry operators, the requirement to provide proper and efficient ferry services.

Apart from franchised ferry services, at the end of 1999 there were altogether 13 licensed operators providing 29 regular licensed services to the outlying islands, new towns in the northwest New Territories and across the harbour. In addition, these services were supplemented by 79 kaito services providing limited services to the remote coastal settlements or recreational sites.

Transport Management

Effective transport management is essential for the orderly and safe operation of the transport system. The Government's regulatory powers are provided for under the Road Traffic Ordinance. Every effort is made to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transport management through the use of modern technology in various areas. (elaborated below)

Licensing

By the end of 1999, Hong Kong had 1 312 886 licensed drivers and 496 606 licensed vehicles. There were 321 617 licensed private cars and 29 363 new private cars were