The Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association on Friday submitted an application to the Transport Department for a HK$6 increase in the flag fall for urban taxis, to HK$33.

The head of the association, Chow Kwok-keung, said he hopes the increase can take effect next year or be put in place in two phases in the next two years.

He said the proposal is supported by close to 20 taxi groups and urged the government to approve the application as soon as possible.

"It took five years for our last fare increase to be approved. As we have only raised fares by eleven percent in five years, it is seriously lagging behind inflation," he said.

"Fuel prices have been rising, people's salaries are increasing. Therefore, to retain drivers, their income should increase too - or there would be fewer and fewer taxi drivers in the city. If the situation worsens, it might be difficult for citizens to find a taxi one day. "

The last taxi fare increase was in July.