Transport Commissioner asks KMB to review safety

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, called Mr John Chan, Managing Director of Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) to a meeting today to express the Administration's concern about the traffic accident on West Kowloon Expressway which left over 30 passengers injured.

The Commissioner noted that there had been two major traffic accidents involving KMB buses in about three months. He expressed his particular concern about the large number of injuries involved in the recent accident. The Transport Department has already asked KMB to submit a detailed accident report as soon as possible within the next few days.

In addition to this, the Commissioner further requested KMB to conduct a thorough review of the safety arrangements (including driver training and vehicle maintenance) of the bus company and submit a full report within three months with recommendations on measures to enhance road and passenger safety and to minimise the occurrence of any incidents in the future. KMB has agreed to do so.

KMB was reminded of the obligation under section 12 of the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap 230) to provide a proper and efficient bus service to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport at all times during its franchise period.

The Transport Department has also asked the other franchised bus operators to conduct a similar review to enhance road safety. The operators have agreed to do so.

Under section 12 of the Public Bus Services Ordinance, Cap 230, a franchised bus company has to maintain to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport at all times during the franchise period, a proper and efficient public bus service in accordance with its franchise and the Public Bus Services Ordinance.

Ends/Monday, October 20, 2003