TAC Chairman welcomes Executive Council's granting of new bus franchises
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The Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC), Professor Stephen Cheung, today (July 12) welcomed the Executive Council's granting of three new 10-year bus franchises, including that of Long Win Bus Company Limited, Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Airport and North Lantau bus network), and Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and New Territories bus network).
Professor Cheung said, "About 90 per cent of Hong Kong's passenger trips are made on public transport every day, among which over 3 million trips are made on franchised buses. It is therefore of great importance to ensure that franchised bus companies continue to provide safe and efficient services to the public. Members of the TAC have considered and are in favour of the proposed merger of the two existing franchises of the Citybus Limited (Franchise for Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour bus network) and New World First Bus Services Limited. I also support the said merger in the hope that the arrangement will enhance the public bus services on Hong Kong Island, achieving a more efficient bus network in the long run and providing transport services that would better meet passengers' needs. The merger will also facilitate the bus company to consolidate and utilise resources in order to maintain the financial sustainability of franchised bus services.
"I am also pleased to know that Long Win Bus Company Limited and Citybus Limited have committed to implementing a range of measures under the new franchises covering bus safety, passenger services, fare concessions, environmental measures, etc, which will be of direct benefit to the community at large, especially the residents on Hong Kong Island and in North Lantau. The TAC has been briefed by the Government earlier on the new franchise arrangement, and members have offered comments and suggestions on the Government's proposal. I trust that the Government will continue to work closely with franchised bus operators on different aspects for continuous improvement of public bus services."
Ends/Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:45
Issued at HKT 16:45
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