Four Hong Kong Bus Companies Apply for Major Fare Hikes Amid Rising Fuel Costs
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Four Hong Kong franchised bus operators have submitted applications to increase fares, with proposed hikes ranging from 8.1% to 17.7%. KMB seeks a 16% increase, Citybus 17.7%, Long Win Bus 8.1%, and New Lantao Bus 9.8% . The applications were filed with the Transport Department in April 2026, and the Legislative Council Transportation Committee is scheduled to discuss the matter on October 16 . The bus companies attribute their requests primarily to sharply rising fuel costs following the outbreak of Middle East hostilities, with diesel prices surging between 75% and 134% compared to January levels .
Key Points
- Four bus operators submitted fare increase applications in April 2026: KMB (+16%), Citybus (+17.7%), Long Win (+8.1%), and Lantao Bus (+9.8%)
- Diesel prices rose 75% to 134% from January to March 2026, with fuel expenditure increasing 85% to 132%
- First-quarter after-tax profits dropped 20% to 30% year-on-year across all operators ; projected declines for fiscal year ending June 2026 range from 31% (Long Win) to 129% (Lantao Bus, expected loss)
- Citybus has paid HK$120 million in additional fuel costs over the past seven months due to Middle East conflict
- Transport and Logistics Bureau Chief Chan Mui-bak stated the government values both service reliability and passenger affordability
Why It Matters
These applications represent the most aggressive fare increase requests in recent years, coming just months after the January 2025 price adjustments. If approved, the increases would further strain commuters already facing rising living costs, while failing to address them could jeopardize bus service quality and operator sustainability amid sustained high oil prices .
These applications represent the most aggressive fare increase requests in recent years, coming just months after the January 2025 price adjustments. If approved, the increases would further strain commuters already facing rising living costs, while failing to address them could jeopardize bus service quality and operator sustainability amid sustained high oil prices .