KMB hints fare hike in electric drive

Kowloon Motor Bus said on Saturday that the rising operation cost will be taken into account on whether to apply for a fare hike this year, especially when there is an increased spending on electric buses.

The news came as KMB’s new batch of electric double-decker buses began a phased roll-out today, running on route 112.

The KMB said it imported 52 electric double-decker buses, and 44 are currently in service.

The firm said it would expand its electric bus fleet in the future, yet it wanted more government subsidies as the cost of electric buses is higher than traditional diesel buses.

Kenny Kan, head of the firm’s corporate communications and public affairs department, stressed that the increased costs from electric buses were just one factor to consider over a possible fare hike.

"Costs - whether fuel or labor - have increased. As a bus operator, our fiscal robustness and sustainability are very important," he said.

Kan also emphasized that the scale of the fare hike will definitely consider citizens’ affordability.