Three Hong Kong Bus Firms Seek Double-Digit Fare Increases, Legislative Council to Debate Friday
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong government has received fare increase applications from the city's three franchised bus operators, with all three requesting double-digit increases exceeding 10 percent. The Chief Executive in Council will ultimately decide on the adjustments after reviewing multiple factors including operating costs, revenue projections, and public affordability. The applications are scheduled for discussion at the Legislative Council Transport Committee meeting on Friday, October 16 .
Key Points
- The three franchised bus companies—Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), Citybus, and New Lantao Bus—all submitted applications for increases above 10 percent .
- The companies filed their increase requests in April this year, coinciding with heightened Middle East tensions that drove up fuel prices .
- The last round of fare applications occurred in November 2024, when KMB sought 6.5 percent, Citybus 9.5 percent, and New Lantao Bus 6.5 percent—but the Executive Council ultimately approved only 4.3 to 7.5 percent .
- Under the Public Bus Services Ordinance, the government must consider operating costs, revenue changes, projected returns, public affordability, service quality, and fare adjustment formula calculations .
- The Transport Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 16, where the applications will be formally discussed .
Why It Matters
With fuel costs remaining elevated and operating expenses climbing, these fare increase applications could significantly impact commuters' daily expenses. The gap between the companies' requested increases and what was approved in 2024 suggests the final approved rates may be substantially lower than the applications, setting the stage for a contentious debate over balancing corporate viability against public transportation affordability .
With fuel costs remaining elevated and operating expenses climbing, these fare increase applications could significantly impact commuters' daily expenses. The gap between the companies' requested increases and what was approved in 2024 suggests the final approved rates may be substantially lower than the applications, setting the stage for a contentious debate over balancing corporate viability against public transportation affordability .