More reduced bus fares for Octopus users begin October 1

Four franchised bus companies - Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited, Citybus Limited, New World First Bus Services Limited and Long Win Bus Company Limited - will implement new fare-reduction schemes for Octopus card users for one year starting October 1.

In the past year, the Government has worked closely with major public transport operators to explore measures to benefit passengers. As a result, over 40 fare concession schemes were implemented.

"We are pleased that the franchised bus companies have taken another step forward by introducing the one-year fare-reduction package, which will cover over 500 bus routes and benefit up to a million passengers a day," a Transport Department spokesman said.

Details of the new package are:

1) $1 flat concession fare for passengers aged 65 or above on all routes on Sundays and public holidays (except Airport "A" routes and racecourse routes);

2) 10% discount on routes with fares of $15 and above (except Airport "A" routes and recreational routes); and

3) 5% per cent discount on routes with fares between $10 and $14.9 (except Airport "A" routes and recreational routes).

For Citybus, the $1 flat fare concession will apply to passengers aged 60 or above, in line with the current practice of the company. For routes solely operated by New World First Bus, the discounts in respect of (2) and (3) above will be offered for return trips made on the same operating day.

New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited has also been providing special weekday concessions for the elderly on its 11 local routes since August 27. Under the special scheme, a further concession of $0.3 to $1.0 will be offered to the elderly on top of the half-fare concession.

"The Government welcomes the introduction of the new fare-reduction initiatives by the franchised bus companies. Passengers may refer to notices at bus stops or websites of the franchised bus companies for details," added the spokesman.

End/Monday, September 29, 2003