Executive Council grants three new bus franchises
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(a) grant a new 10-year franchise to Long Win Bus Company Limited (LW), which will commence upon expiry of its current franchise on May 1, 2023, and run until May 1, 2033;
(b) grant a new 10-year franchise to Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Airport and North Lantau bus network) (CTB(F2)), which will commence upon expiry of its current franchise on May 1, 2023, and run until May 1, 2033;
(c) amend the expiry date of the existing Citybus Limited (Franchise for Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour bus network) (CTB(F1)) from June 1, 2026, to July 1, 2023, i.e. the same as that of the current franchise of New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB); and
(d) grant a new 10-year franchise covering the two bus networks of the current franchises of CTB(F1) and NWFB to Citybus Limited. The new franchise will be named Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and New Territories bus network) and commence upon expiry of the two relevant existing franchises on July 1, 2023, and run until July 1, 2033.
A government spokesman said that in accordance with the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230) and established practice, an existing grantee who has proven to be capable of providing a proper and efficient public bus service and is willing to further invest in franchised bus operation will be granted a new franchise for a period of 10 years.
The spokesman pointed out that LW, CTB(F2), CTB(F1) and NWFB have all along been providing proper and efficient services to passengers under their current franchises. Having been granted new franchises this time around, LW, CTB(F2) and Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and New Territories bus network) have also committed to continue to invest in bus safety, passenger services and more with a view to further enhancing the quality of bus services.
"The Government has merged the two existing franchises with largely overlapping service areas (i.e. CTB(F1) and NWFB) under this latest arrangement of new franchises. It will facilitate continuous improvement and rationalisation of the franchised bus network on Hong Kong Island, and enable the bus company to deploy its resources more flexibly for enhancing existing services or introducing new services and providing more comprehensive public transport ancillary facilities that keep up with the times for the benefit of passengers. After merging the franchises, relevant service rationalisation proposals will be implemented progressively under the annual Route Planning Programme. The merger exercise will not come with any changes of fares for all existing routes. Also, Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and New Territories bus network) will strive to enhance bus service reliability and further improve its lost trip situation," the spokesman said.
In addition, the bus companies will pursue various initiatives during the new franchise periods, including further enhancing the operational safety of franchised buses, installing more passenger shelters, co-operating with the Government in promoting the development of electric and other new energy public transport vehicles, and improving the working environment of staff. As regards fare concessions, the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB)'s Monthly Pass will be extended to cover LW's regular and overnight services except airbus services (i.e. "E", "R", "S" and "N" routes) and a 73 per cent fare discount will be provided for KMB's Monthly Pass holders when travelling on LW's regular and overnight airbus routes (i.e. "A" and "NA" routes).
"The granting of the three new franchises paves the way for enhancing the long-term sustainability of the territory-wide bus networks in terms of more efficient public bus services and more balanced competition amongst public transport operators. Franchised buses should continue to have a vital role to play in the public transport system, not only for providing feeder services to the railways but also for serving as a viable alternative to railways with the provision of reliable and quality services to passengers," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:43
Issued at HKT 12:43
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