Franchised buses seek fare rises of 8.1 to 17.7 pct

Four franchised bus companies are requesting fare increases ranging from 8.1 to 17.7 percent. Kowloon Motor Bus is seeking a 16 percent hike, Citybus aims for 17.7 percent, Long Win wants 8.1 percent, and New Lantao Bus is requesting a 9.8 percent increase. The Transport and Logistics Bureau submitted a report to the Legislative Council stating that passengers using franchised buses have taken fewer trips compared to pre-pandemic levels, with daily journeys increasing from 3.67 million in 2023-24 to approximately 3.7 million in 2024-25.

The report suggests that the operating environment for these bus operators is expected to remain difficult due to competition from other means of public transport, increasing operating costs, and persistent high fuel prices. Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced that lawmakers will review the fare increase applications at a panel meeting on Friday.

Chan emphasized that the government values service reliability and financial sustainability for the operators, as well as ensuring affordability for the public. The government's review will consider various factors, including the operating situation, cost, revenue forecasts, long-term financial development, and the impact on public services.

This review will be conducted carefully and thoroughly to fulfill the government's role as the overseer. The last fare hikes for Kowloon Motor Bus, Citybus, and New Lantao Bus were approved by the government in 2024, with the increases set to take effect in January 2025.