Consultation on requirements of new franchises for two franchised bus companies to end on September 16
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     A Government spokesman said today (September 2) that members of the public are reminded to submit their views on the requirements of the new 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) by September 16.

     The Government earlier invited the public to offer views on the requirements between June 25 and September 16. The Government has also invited views from members of the Traffic and Transport Committees of the District Councils. Information relating to the two franchises can be downloaded from the websites of the Transport and Housing Bureau (www.thb.gov.hk) and the Transport Department (www.td.gov.hk).

     The spokesman said that the current franchises of Citybus (Franchise 1) and NLB will expire on June 1, 2016, and March 1, 2017, respectively. Citybus (Franchise 1) mainly operates the Hong Kong Island and cross-harbour bus network. NLB mainly serves Lantau Island and Shenzhen Bay Port. Both companies have indicated an interest to apply for new 10-year franchises.

     "Citybus (Franchise 1) and NLB have been providing proper and efficient bus services, and are willing to invest for further improvements," the spokesman said.

     "To ensure continuous provision of essential public bus services, the Government plans to engage the two franchised bus companies in the fourth quarter of this year for discussion on the granting of new 10-year franchises. The Government will strive for the most favourable franchise terms for the public as far as possible in a pragmatic manner. Yet, we do not underestimate the difficulty of the discussion and will have to take into account the actual operating environment in the process."

     Members of the public may send their views on the requirements of the two new franchises to the Transport Department by post (addressed to Bus and Railway Branch, Transport Department, 40/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong), fax (2802 2679) or email (bus-franchise@td.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:00

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