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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (December 10):
Question:
Since February 19, 2006, the Citybus Limited and the New World First Bus Services Limited have been offering same day return fare concessions to passengers for a period of three years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it knows if the above bus companies have plans to extend the aforesaid fare concessions; if it knows that they do not have such plans, whether it will discuss extending the concessions with them; if it will not, of the reasons for that; and
(b) it will urge various franchised bus companies to offer more fare concessions, so as to alleviate the burden of travelling expenses on the public; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government has been encouraging public transport operators, including franchised bus companies, to introduce fare reduction or concession as far as possible to help reduce passengers' travel expenses, taking into account their respective operating conditions and overall economic environment. At present, the franchised bus companies offer various kinds of fare concession schemes to passengers, such as section fares on some medium- and long-haul bus routes, bus-bus interchange concessions, half-fare concessions for children, and half-fare concessions for the elderly. The bus companies determine the type and duration of the concession schemes having regard to their operating environments, financial conditions, and other relevant factors. Citybus Limited ("CTB") and New World First Bus Services Limited ("NWFB") implemented the same day return fare reduction for a period of three years on some of the solely operated routes from February 19,2006, and on some jointly operated routes from July 1,2006. CTB and NWFB currently have no plans to extend these concessionary schemes.
A comprehensive mechanism has already been in place to regulate the level of franchised bus fares. In determining franchised bus fares, the Chief Executive-in-Council takes into account all relevant factors, including public acceptability and affordability. As regards the provision of fare concessions, in accordance with the spirit of free enterprise, it is the commercial decision of individual public transport operators. We will encourage the franchised bus companies to offer fare concession to passengers, while maintaining proper and efficient public transport services.
Ends/Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:06
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