We refer to the letter headlined, 'Bus operator turns a deaf ear', which appeared in the South China Morning Post, on May 21, concerning a request, made earlier this year, to relocate a bus-stop on Pokfulam Road.
Following an investigation into an alleged conflict between waiting bus passengers and residents of a nearby residential block, we were delighted to offer a timely agreement in principle to this request. Unfortunately, the company is not empowered to re-locate franchised bus-stops arbitrarily.
Permission must first be sought from the Transport Department and this having been granted, it is necessary to obtain a road-opening permit from the Highways Department for the re-location of the bus-stop pole.
Only then can a contractor be instructed to effect the required excavation works. The lead-time to execute a seemingly simple task of a bus-stop relocation is thus materially affected by the fact that there are up to four separate parties involved.
In the case in question, we are pleased to report that necessary formalities have now been completed and that the bus-stop pole will be relocated imminently. For the future, we will endeavour to make temporary arrangements using portable bus-stop stands while due formalities are being completed.
In the meantime, we would like to offer our sincere apologies for any distress or inconvenience caused on this occasion.
