Hong Kong transport chief vows scrutiny of bus fare hikes, pushes non-ticket revenue
Hong Kong's transport chief says the government will scrutinise bus companies' fare-rise applications of 8.1 to 17.7 per cent. She also plans to reveal by November how to allocate 10,000 ride-hailing licences fairly, with possible preference for those who have already passed tests or held a private
Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, has vowed that the government will play a gatekeeping role in reviewing fare-rise applications from three franchised bus operators, which are seeking increases of 8.1 to 17.7 per cent. Speaking on RTHK's programme Saturday Accountability, Chan acknowledged that the public might see the requests as starting high in expectation of government bargaining, but stressed that the process is an interactive one and the government will handle the matter rigorously.
Chan noted that the bus companies submitted their applications several months ago, when global oil prices were volatile, making cost, revenue and passenger-traffic forecasts challenging. She said the government will consider not only immediate factors but also a series of long-term, macro indicators, including projected passenger numbers over the next one to two years, as well as wage and oil-price forecasts, and will conduct an independent, professional review.
The transport chief also said she hopes to assist and encourage bus operators to develop non-ticket revenue streams. These include the already popular bus-body advertisements, introducing retail facilities such as vending machines or even convenience stores at interchange stations, and allowing non-franchised buses and commercial vehicles to charge at bus depots during daytime hours.
On ride-hailing services, Chan said she was pleased that the comprehensive written test for ride-hailing drivers had received an enthusiastic response, with a pass rate of over 60 per cent, indicating that the assessment is being taken seriously. She said officials have been considering how best to utilise the 10,000 vehicle licences, aiming for a fair and equitable allocation system for those willing and able to provide services. Details of the allocation plan are expected to be announced in November.
Chan said that if the number of applicants exceeds 10,000, a lottery system would be the fairest approach, but the government is open to hearing different opinions on what additional factors to incorporate. She suggested that those who registered early, completed the test, or even took the taxi-driver written exam before the new regulations took effect, have demonstrated their commitment to providing point-to-point services. She is also considering giving extra weight in the lottery to younger people, those from other industries seeking part-time work, and individuals who have owned a private car for at least one year.