The Transport Advisory Committee supports the proposed extension of permitted operating areas of New Territories taxis. Speaking after the committee's meeting today, chairman Teresa Cheng said the proposal will help provide more business opportunities for New Territories taxis.

Ms Cheng said the proposed extension allows New Territories passengers to travel by taxi to new major destinations, such as Hong Kong Disneyland, the new airport passenger terminal at SkyPlaza and Hang Hau MTR Station.

The New Territories taxi trade welcomed the proposal and the urban and Lantau taxi trades had no objections.

TST improvement plan

The Planning Department presented a proposed Planning Framework for the Tsim Sha Tsui Area Improvement Plan. Ms Cheng said the committee welcomed proposals to enhance the pedestrian environment in crowded urban areas.

"We hope the administration will fully take into account the comments and views received during the public consultation period before finding the best way forward," she said.

The committee also discussed the Government's proposed measures to improve the regulation of non-franchised bus operations. Members supported the revised measures and believed the possible impact on existing legitimate non-franchised bus operations has been minimised.