Higher bus fares vex public

Ayra Wang

Commuters grudgingly dug into their pockets as bus fare hikes took effect yesterday, with many saying they have no other choice.

Kowloon Motor Bus, Citybus and New Lantao Bus raised fares by 4.3, 7.5 and 6.5 percent, respectively.

Citybus route B8 between Tai Wai and Heung Yuen Wai had the highest fare hike, rising 12.4 percent to HK$18.10 from HK$16.10.

But passengers said they would still use the route to travel to the mainland.

A resident, Wong, who would go to the mainland once a week with friends after the pandemic, said the fare increase will not affect her willingness to visit as it is cheaper there than in Hong Kong.

Another, named Lam, who lives in Tai Wai, said the fare hike will not deter people from crossing the border.

"I will still take the bus to the port as it is cheaper than taking MTR trains even after the fare hike," Lam said.

But a Hong Kong Polytechnic University student, Huang, said she will take the East Rail Line to travel to the mainland instead of buses after the fare adjustment.

Huang said taking the bus to ports from Hung Hom costs as much as taking the East Rail Line, which goes direct and is more attractive than the bus.

Cross-harbor bus routes also enacted higher fares. Route 307, which is jointly operated by Citybus and KMB and travels between Tai Po and Central, saw a HK$1.60 hike - from HK$25.70 to HK$27.30.

A resident, Ng, said he felt the living costs are becoming extremely unaffordable. "Everything is becoming more expensive - clothes, food, accommodation and transport," Ng said.

"I don't even know in which aspect I can save some money."

A senior citizen suggested the government make fare increases less frequent, and hoped bus companies could offer more discounts.

"Although I am not affected as I enjoy fare concession for the elderly, there are still many young people who need to take the bus to school or for daily commute, and they have no choice but to accept it," she said.

Another resident said the fare hike is acceptable but urged the government to cut civil servants' salaries under a sluggish economy.

A tourist named Qi from Shandong said the bus fares in Hong Kong are much higher than in the mainland.

"It's not ideal if the fare is increased annually, which will lead to considerable expenses for locals, and tourists will also feel that the transportation cost is high," Qi said.

Transport sector lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu urged the government to "strictly control" prices if bus companies ask for another fare hike this year.

Zhang also said the increased fares will lead to a higher government expenditure when subsidizing the difference between regular and HK$2 concessionary fares, especially for bus routes to borders.

He suggested the government set up a mechanism requiring bus companies to shoulder part of the subsidy.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com