Franchised buses seek fare rises of 8.1 to 17.7 pct
Four franchised bus operators are applying for fare increases ranging from 8.1 to 17.7 percent. Kowloon Motor Bus is seeking 16 percent, Citybus 17.7 percent, Long Win 8.1 percent, and New Lantao Bus 9.8 percent. The Transport and Logistics Bureau submitted a paper to the Legislative Council showing that passenger trips on franchised buses remained below pre-pandemic levels – rising from 3.67…
Four franchised bus companies are requesting fare hikes between 8.1% and 17.7% to address their financial challenges. Kowloon Motor Bus is seeking a 16% increase, Citybus is requesting 17.7%, Long Win is asking for 8.1%, and New Lantao Bus is proposing a 9.8% hike. The Transport and Logistics Bureau presented an application to the Legislative Council, noting that passenger trips on franchised buses have remained below pre-pandemic levels, increasing from 3.67 daily journeys in 2023-24 to approximately 3.7 million in 2024-25.
The operating environment for the operators is expected to remain challenging due to competition, rising costs, and high fuel prices. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan stated that lawmakers will review the fare increase applications during a panel meeting on Friday. The government, Chan emphasized, places significant importance on service reliability, financial sustainability, and public affordability, and will thoroughly examine the operators' operating situation, cost and revenue forecasts, long-term financial development, and the impact on public services.
The last fare hikes for KMB, Citybus, and New Lantao Bus were approved by the government in 2024, with the increases set to take effect in January 2025.
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