Urban taxis to operate in Ma Wan during overnight period

    Urban taxis will be permitted to operate in Ma Wan during the overnight period from 11pm to 7am from tomorrow (July 4) to meet the transport needs of residents.

    "The residents of Ma Wan have asked for access of taxis during the overnight period to cater for their urgent transport needs.  After considering relevant factors and consulting the parties concerned, the Administration has decided to allow urban taxis to access Ma Wan daily from 11pm to 7am the next day.  The new measure will take effect tomorrow (July 4) when the legislative amendments to Schedule 5 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations Cap. 374D and other legal procedures are completed," a spokesman for the Transport Department said today (July 3).

    "Taxi passengers to and from Ma Wan are required to pay a surcharge of $30 being the Lantau Link toll paid by the drivers when entering Ma Wan for taking up the hiring in addition to taxi fares," the spokesman said.

    Urban taxis will be allowed to access Ma Wan up to the Pak Lam Road roundabout.  A picking up/setting down point for taxis will be provided there to assist commuters.  Appropriate traffic signage will also be provided along the Lantau Link and Ma Wan Road to guide taxi drivers.

Ends/Thursday, July 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:46