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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were today (July 19) briefed on the performance of the franchised bus operators in 2005. They noted that the performance of the franchised bus operators was generally satisfactory last year.
"The operators have made improvements in a number of areas of franchised bus services. These included the continuous upgrading of the bus fleet by providing more environmentally-friendly, air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible buses, and improving the provision of passenger information by installing bus stop announcement systems on buses or information panels at bus stops and termini.
"Some operators have also installed black boxes on their fleets to monitor driver's behaviour and to provide information for accident investigation," TAC Chairman, Ms Teresa Cheng said.
She said the TAC expected that the franchised bus operators would face more challenges in the years ahead. On the one hand, the bus operators have committed to enhancing their services. On the other hand, there is keener competition arising from other transport modes and the rising oil price.
"To meet these challenges, the TAC urges the franchised bus operators to further enhance their operational efficiency, quality and competitiveness," Ms Cheng added.
At the meeting, members were also consulted on the draft Preliminary Outline Development Plan for Kai Tak Development prepared under the Kai Tak Planning Review by the Planning Department.
"We note that the Administration is now collecting feedback from the community on the draft Plan before it is finalised, and the current consultation programme will last until mid-August. We encourage the public to express their views, and we hope the Administration will carefully examine all the opinions and suggestions before taking the matter forward," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:30
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