The Government would invite tenders for the operation of radio-despatched taxis in next few months, said the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Rosario.

But the number of taxi licenses would stand between 1,200 and 1,300, slightly more than the present total.

There were 100 radio-despatched taxis in Macao until the operator ceased operation in November last year.

The Secretary was speaking to reporters on 11 February after attending a Legislative Assembly committee to monitor concessions of land and public construction, which discussed the concessions of taxi and bus services.

On bus services, he said the Government was negotiating with two operators to update present contracts, which the Commission Against Corruption had said were illegal.