Hong Kong bus users do not want to be taken for a ride
- The latest fare adjustments sought by franchised bus operators, ranging from 8.5 per cent to more than 50 per cent, are the last thing the public wants as the city’s economy slowly emerges from the pandemic
Hongkongers have never been immune from price hikes even during the pandemic. With normality gradually returning and the economy slowly picking up, the public is bracing for stiffer increases.
The latest fare adjustments sought by franchised bus operators, ranging from 8.5 per cent to more than 50 per cent, will weigh down many. The government must scrutinise the details carefully and ensure the approved levels are justified and affordable.
The public can be excused for feeling outraged by the companies’ demands, which turn out to be steeper than the 10 to 20 per cent initially reported late last year. Citybus and New World First Bus have asked for a flat fare rise of HK$2 for all urban routes and a 23 per cent rise for North Lantau services.
The fixed level hike, if approved, translates into more than 50 per cent rise for some routes. KMB, Long Win Bus and New Lantao Bus are seeking to raise fares by 9.5 per cent, 8.5 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively.
Less aggressive as they seem, the proposed levels are still higher than inflation. A 50 per cent rise for “Airbus” services to and from the airport is also being sought.
We do not know how many workers have been awarded pay rises of that scale. While it is not unusual for operators to demand more, as the levels approved by the government are usually lower, the actual increases may still outstrip inflation.
Many workers are still struggling under the shadow of the pandemic. The burden does not help economic recovery.
The lack of transparency in transport fare adjustment has long been an issue of public concern. It is regrettable that the proposals are defended with the same old arguments.
Because of wage increases, higher fuel costs, and falling ridership, most franchised bus operators recorded hefty losses in the past few years, officials say. Be that as it is, it is arguably unfair for passengers to pay through the nose to save companies from collapse.
The levels sought by the bus operators are clearly too much for the public.
Maintaining essential public services at affordable prices during tough times is the duty of the government. Officials must take their gatekeeping role seriously.
With post-Covid recovery still nascent, the last thing the public wants are through-the-roof transport fares.
