Public is being held hostage by bus firms
- The excuse that fare rises are crucial to maintaining essential services holds no water, especially at a time when the economy is in the doldrums and the unemployment rate has hit a 17-year high
There is no way to increase fares on public transport without inviting a flood of criticism, and this is especially true at a time when the economy is in the doldrums and the coronavirus health crisis continues to rage.
So it is no surprise that commuters are upset after the government approved fare rises of up to 12 per cent for bus rides. An enhanced scheme to offer transport subsidies may ease the pain for some.
According to officials, 90 per cent of passengers will pay no more than HK$1 extra per ride initially. But that is of little comfort to those who have been struggling to make ends meet.
The decision, approved by the Executive Council, will allow Citybus and New World First Bus to increase fares in two phases – by 8.5 per cent from April 4 and a further 3.2 per cent on January 2 next year.
KMB and New Lantao Bus can charge 8.5 per cent and 9.8 per cent more, respectively, starting on April 4. But, taking into account KMB’s toll exemption fund and other factors, the actual rise will be 5.8 per cent.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor warned of lay-offs and a decline in services if the increases were denied. Be that as it may, the move reinforces the perception among some that her government is out of touch with public sentiment.
Maintaining essential public services without raising prices during tough times is a duty the government must take seriously. Even though the city’s unemployment rate has soared to 7.2 per cent, the highest since 2004, Lam made clear there was nothing more she could do to offer further relief at this time.
The impact of the fare rise will be mitigated to some extent by enhanced government transport subsidies, with the scheme extended by six months to the end of this year and the monthly cap raised from HK$400 to HK$500. However, not all essential public services and utilities have such safeguards.
There are concerns that other service providers will also seek to raise prices. It is unfair that the public is expected to pay more to save companies from collapsing.
In any case, the financial viability of some transport operators was an issue of concern even before the social unrest of 2019 and the current health crisis. These firms must enhance their operational efficiency and cost effectiveness. Hefty fare rises are not the way forward.
