2 Hong Kong bus firms seek fare increases of up to nearly 10% amid sluggish economy
KMB has applied to raise fares by 6.5 per cent, while Citybus is seeking an increase of about 10 per cent for most routes, Post learns
Two of Hong Kong’s major bus operators have applied to raise fares, with the highest proposed increase being nearly 10 per cent, the Post has learned, as lawmakers raise concerns over the services’ affordability amid a sluggish economy.
Three sources said on Tuesday that franchised bus company KMB had applied to raise fares by 6.5 per cent, while Citybus was seeking an increase of nearly 10 per cent for most of its routes.
“Business for the bus firms is not good. For example, the number of passengers taking KMB at night has decreased,” one of the insiders said.
Citybus told the Post it had applied for a fare adjustment in January, but declined to reveal the exact percentage it was seeking.
“[We want to adjust fares] to deal with ongoing inflationary cost increases in fuel and, critically, our colleagues’ and drivers’ wages,” the firm said.
KMB confirmed it had submitted an application to adjust fares.
