Bus passengers may get a fare cut in the next few months after the latest calculations under a fare-adjustment formula indicated that the price of an average trip should be reduced by 15 HK cents
But the Transport and Housing Bureau said there would not be a final answer for about six months and there might not be a fare cut at all.
The government first has to collect data from the companies on their operational costs, revenues, projected costs and returns.
It must also consult the Legislative Council and the Transport Advisory Committee before submitting a recommendation for Executive Council approval.
A bureau spokesman said that after all factors had been considered there might not be a reduction.
Lawmakers and community groups nevertheless called on companies to cut fares soon because of the economic downturn and the plunge in the price of oil to about a fifth of its peak value of US$140 per barrel last July.
The formula was introduced in 2006 to determine whether bus fares should be raised or lowered.
