Democrats urge freeze on Lantau bus fares

The Democratic Party has urged the Government to oppose fare-rise applications put forward by the New Lantau Bus Company and the Long Win Bus Company. The party's vice-chairman, Lee Wing-tat, said the proposed 14 to 18 per cent increases were too high. Mr Lee said since the salaries of many workers were still frozen, the Government should do the same with fares. Some 30 routes would be affected by the proposal. The two Lantau Island bus companies have blamed high operating costs and a drop in passengers.