New Territories taxi passengers will enjoy concessionary fares for six months from June 8.

Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao said the scheme, approved by the Executive Council, will benefit consumers, particularly long-trip passengers who can enjoy 20% cheaper fares.

The flagfall charge of $12.50 and the first seven incremental charges of $1.20 will remain unchanged. However, the charge for every increment thereafter will be reduced from $1.20 to 90 cents.

Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman said fares will be automatically adjusted back to present levels when the scheme expires on December 8.

As it is a temporary measure, taxi owners do not need to re-calibrate their meters. Instead they must display a new fare table and the Concessionary Fare Notice issued by the Transport Department inside the taxi compartment during the six-month period.