On the road: The Transport Advisory Committee will review taxi operations to enhance the trade's competitiveness.

The Transport Advisory Committee will review taxi operations to enhance the trade's competitiveness. The review will take about a year to complete, and a final report will be made after garnering views from the trade and the public.

Committee Chairman Teresa Cheng said the review will study whether the taxi market has changed and if different modes of operation can be introduced to expand taxi operations. As the taxi trade is also concerned about whether it is competing on a legal and level playing field, the review will also look into discount gangs.

"We are aware that there is concern from the trade on fare discounts. Some passengers bargain for a fare reduction and some drivers accept these requests," Ms Cheng said.

"The trade has mixed views on how to tackle this problem while people also have their own concerns. Some who have paid close attention to transport issues point out that this phenomenon may reflect that changes have taken place in the competitiveness of the taxi trade. Therefore, the committee decided to conduct the review after discussing the matter today."

No pressure on fares

Ms Cheng said conducting the review does not mean taxi fares must be reduced or increased. Noting that any changes in the fare charging mechanism and legislation will affect the trade and the public, the committee will not draw any early conclusion before completing the review and exchanging views with the trade and the public.

Reference to overseas experience in taxi fare structure and mode of operation will be made, particularly from large cities with situations similar to Hong Kong, such as Japan and the UK.

Public Transport Services Subcommittee Chairman Jim Chi-yung, who is in charge of the review, said: "Learning from the experience of other countries, and with due regard to the local situation and current suggestions about taxi services, we will identify whether there is any area in the local taxi services that can be improved. The entire review process will be conducted in a transparent manner. The public and the trade, including taxi owners and drivers, can express their opinion through extensive and direct channels."