TAC’s response to Executive Council’s decision to approve franchised bus operators’ fare increases

​The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
      
     In response to the Executive Council's decision to approve fare increase applications from franchised bus operators today (May 30), the Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC), Professor Stephen Cheung, said the TAC appreciated that the Government has handled the fare increase applications from franchised bus operators in a prudent manner as it has always been, taking into account a basket of factors before arriving at the decision.

     Professor Cheung said, "The TAC welcomes the Government's exercising its gatekeeper role, setting the rates of fare increase to a relatively mild level to minimise the impact on the public while maintaining the financial sustainability of the franchised bus operators. The TAC also agrees that the Government should continue to adopt a multipronged approach to encourage and assist franchised bus operators in raising revenue and reducing expenditure, and continue its efforts in enhancing bus service networks to improve operational efficiency, and assist operators to further expand sources of non-fare box revenue, so as to alleviate the pressure for fare increases."

     "Maintaining safe, efficient and quality franchised bus services is vital to the economy and people's livelihood. The TAC acknowledges that it is essential to ensure that the franchised bus operators have the financial capability and incentive to continue making investments in enhancing bus safety, providing quality public bus services, keeping in line with the Government's environmental policy, etc," Professor Cheung continued.