*********************************
In response to press enquiries on the fare increase application of four Green Minibus (GMB) routes 32, 32A, 33, 33M in Eastern District on Hong Kong Island, a Transport Department (TD) spokesman said today (December 29) that the TD had not approved the fare increase applications of the four GMB routes, and hence the withdrawal of the approval did not exist.
GMB is a locally-based service, and its service and fare are regulated by the TD. To ensure the public is provided with reasonable and satisfactory minibus services, the TD will take into account the operating situation of individual route, the local operating environment, the financial performance of the operator; service quality and service improvement plan as well as public acceptability, when assessing the fare increase application. Also, it is TD's standing practice to collect locals' views through the respective District Office before approving the application. As the operating situation of each package of GMB route differs, the TD will vigilantly take into account a number of factors, including the financial position of the service; and whether there is service with similar routine and its fare.
The spokesman pointed out that the TD, when processing the fare increase application of the four GMB routes in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island (namely 32, 32A, 33 and 33M), had made the above-mentioned considerations and collected locals' views according to usual practice. After reviewing the latest operating situation of the operator and public affordability, the TD has reached a consensus following discussion with the operator and the operator agreed to withdraw the fare adjustment application.
Ends/Monday, December 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:57
NNNN
