4 bus companies' proposed fare hikes prompt lawmakers' concern

Four franchised bus companies have submitted applications to the government for fare hikes, sparking concerns among lawmakers at a Legislative Council Panel on Transport meeting.

Among them, Citybus proposed an increase at as much as 17.7% while KMB sought a 16% fare rise.

At LegCo, representatives from the bus companies said soaring fuel costs, falling passenger numbers, rising wage costs and fares lagging behind inflation have led to ongoing losses.

They stressed they have strictly controlled costs and are committed to developing non-fare revenues.

As some lawmakers slammed the proposed hikes as excessive, some legislators suggested linking fare adjustments to service performance, questioning whether companies failing to meet targets on bus trip omissions or accident rates should be barred from raising fares.

The government said it can study the establishment of an annual fare review mechanism while noting that it will handle the applications with caution and rigour.