Chan Mei-bo says bus fare review goes beyond short-term factors
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan said the government will not consider franchised bus fare increase applications solely on short-term factors. Speaking on an RTHK programme on October 24, she said the authorities will pay close attention to how any fare adjustment affects the public’s ability to afford travel and their transport choices. Chan was responding as four franchised bus companies seek fare increases. She also said public descriptions of bus operators asking high and the government bargaining down capture the administration’s gatekeeping role.
Key Points
- Four franchised bus companies have submitted fare increase applications now under government consideration, according to reports on October 24.
- Mable Chan said officials will not judge the applications only by short-term factors when deciding whether fare rises should be approved.
- She said the government will place weight on the public’s affordability, indicating household transport costs are a central consideration.
- Chan also said the review will consider residents’ travel choices, suggesting officials are looking at how fare changes may affect commuting options.
- Addressing the phrase that operators ask high and government bargains down, Chan said it reflects the government’s gatekeeping function.
Why It Matters
Bus fares directly affect daily commuting costs for many Hong Kong residents, so the government’s emphasis on affordability and travel choice points to a balancing exercise between operators’ requests and public burden. Chan’s remarks also indicate that officials want to frame the fare-setting process as an active review rather than a simple response to company applications.