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As the current franchises of Citybus Limited (franchise for Hong Kong Island and cross-harbour bus network) (Citybus (Franchise 1)) and New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) will expire on June 1, 2016 and March 1, 2017 respectively, the Government plans to engage the two grantees for discussion on the granting of new franchises. The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (June 24) the requirements of the new franchises.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said after the meeting, "Members are pleased to note that Citybus (Franchise 1) and NLB have been providing proper and efficient bus services. Both have indicated an interest in applying for a new 10-year franchise, and are willing to continue to invest for further service enhancement. According to an independent survey commissioned by the Transport Department (TD), about 88 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the overall service quality of these two grantees.
"Members have provided some comments on the requirements of the new franchises for the Government's consideration. Members of the public may also send their views to the TD in writing from tomorrow (June 25) to mid-September 2014," said Mr Kwok.
Ends/Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:21
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