TAC briefed on TSTE fares and probationary driving licence scheme

 Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) on the fares for the Tsim Sha Tsui Extension (TSTE) at its meeting today (October 19).

 "We notice that KCRC has taken into consideration passengers' acceptability, market competitiveness as well as the project cost in setting the fares for the TSTE. We believe that KCRC has achieved a reasonable balance between the interests of the corporation and the passengers," Chairman of the TAC, Ms Teresa Cheng said.

 The TAC also welcomed the KCRC's initiative to arrange intermodal discounts with other public transport operators and believed that the discount for East Rail passengers interchanging with the MTR at the Tsim Sha Tsui Station would be an effective measure to enhance the attractiveness of the TSTE.

 Members noted that the TSTE would be officially opened on Sunday (October 24). 

 The committee also discussed the proposal to introduce the Probationary Driving Licence Scheme to novice private car and light goods vehicle drivers.

 "The TAC welcomed this proposal as the Probationary Driving Licence Scheme could serve as extended training for inexperience drivers, allowing them to accumulate sufficient on-road driving experience. At the same time, the "P" plate would remind other drivers to be more cautious of and patient with novice drivers," said Ms Cheng.

Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2004