It comes as no surprise to find China Motor Bus stalling over arrangements for the smooth transfer of its routes to New World Buses. Given the operator's long track record of being difficult to deal with, some problems could be expected.
Staff unions have experienced difficulties arranging meetings to discuss the many issues that must be settled if the handover set for September is to go smoothly. In particular, New World needs to make arrangements to lease CMB's buses until its own fleet of new vehicles arrives.
At this stage, it is too early to ascertain if the problems are simply a consequence of CMB's antiquated management structure or part of a deliberate policy to make life difficult for the new operator. But there should be no illusions about the trouble which lies ahead if the latter proves to be the case.
The transfer of 88 routes carrying 250,000 passengers a day is a major undertaking which requires meticulous planning. Any slip-up could severely disrupt life on Hong Kong Island, causing traffic chaos and leaving tens of thousands unable to get to work.
The administration has long been aware of the danger that CMB might cause problems in such a handover, which is one reason why it hesitated for so long over withdrawing the franchise.
Such considerations also explain the passage of a 1995 ordinance allowing the Government to take control of a bus company's property for up to three years in order to maintain services.