The letter from the Commissioner for Transport headlined 'Bus companies have made improvements' (South China Morning Post, July 23) is another kick in the teeth for the many bus passengers who have made reasonable complaints about the nuisance of videos imposed on a captive audience.
The department's claim that it has 'taken into account the results of passenger-opinion surveys conducted by the bus companies, which indicated that most of those interviewed welcomed the broadcasts', is outrageous considering that numerous requests for evidence and details about supposed surveys have been ignored.
All the Transport Department could previously come up with was a statement that: 'Kowloon Motor Bus [KMB] conducted a survey last September to gauge passengers' views on the service concept. Based on the survey findings, KMB introduced MMOB [multi-media on-board] buses in November.'
This seems to confirm suspicions that there were no prior surveys. It is impossible that from a starting point of 'gauging' the 'concept' in September, KMB could have a fully-fledged system in service by November.
Instead of apologising for abolishing passengers' rights to peace and quiet, all we have are excuses.
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