The claim came after an industry-wide survey by the department found that about 80 per cent of 1,500 drivers and taxi owners polled were against the fare cut.

It is estimated that more than 5,000 drivers had lost between $8 million and $10 million in revenue in the past month - in contrast to transport officials' earlier claims that the cut would boost demand for taxi services.

The estimate was based on a survey of 400 drivers carried out over the past month by the group which found drivers' income fell by at least $30 a day on average.

'The loss in revenue might be small for the officials, but we find it unbearable. After this unsuccessful trial, who is going to compensate us for the loss? Is there any senior official to be held responsible?' Mr Lau said.

But Wong Yu-ting, chairman of the 500-strong New Territories-based Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association, which supported the fare cut, said the drivers should look at their business in the long term.

He said a Transport Department survey over the past month indicated a taxi's average daily mileage had risen from 250km in March to 300km in July, indicating business had begun to rebound.

The New Territories taxi fare reduction trial was initiated after 10 taxi operators and drivers groups recognised by the department agreed to the cut.

But Mr Lau questioned whether these groups really represented the industry's interests.

Under the proposal, a 20 per cent discount was offered to long-haul passengers after seven ticks of the metre.

The proposal was quickly approved by the Transport Advisory Committee, the legislature and the Executive Council. It came into force on 8 June. But just days into the trial, hundreds of drivers went on strike to oppose the cut.

Officials later agreed to shorten the trial from six months to one month.

It is expected that the discounts will be scrapped this week upon approval of the Legco and the Exco.