The Transport Advisory Committee rejected introducing a taxi fuel surcharge today.
The Government today briefed the committee on the results of a study on taxi fuel surcharges, which is one of the issues covered by the Topical Study under the Public Transport Strategy Study.
The committee agreed that the present mechanism is effective.
“The imposition of fuel surcharge will automatically transfer the burden of fuel cost to the passengers, which may cause confusion and give an impression that passengers are subject to a 'double fare increase'," committee Chairman Larry Kwok said.
“Besides, the setting of the fuel price level that would trigger the taxi fuel surcharge and the exact surcharge amount entail rather complex arrangements and calculations. Consensus amongst all parties would not be easy to come by. At the same time, the introduction of such a surcharge may lead to a chain reaction in other public transport services."
The Government will next study the feasibility of introducing premium taxis.
The Government also briefed the committee on the renewal progress for Citybus and New Lantao Bus franchises.
Mr Kwok said the committee will make recommendations to the Chief Executive in Council on the issue at an appropriate time.
