Results of selection of operators for new bus routes

The Commissioner for Transport announced today (Tuesday) that New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) has been selected to operate a package of seven routes in Tseung Kwan O/South and The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Limited (KMB) has been selected to operate a package of six routes in Tin Shui Wai/North.

In July 1999, the Transport Department invited applications from all the existing franchised bus operators to operate two packages of bus routes in the new development areas in Tin Shui Wai/North and Tseung Kwan O/South.

By the close of the application period on 13 August 1999, Transport Department received a total of six applications from franchised bus operators. There were two applications for the Tseung Kwan O/South package and four for the Tin Shui Wai/North package.

The applications were assessed by a Selection Board comprising representatives from Transport Department, Home Affairs Department, Highways Department, Labour Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption and Department of Justice.

"In assessing the applications, the Selection Board has taken into account the level of service to be provided, the management capability of the applicant, the quality of the start-up plan and the transitional arrangements for the opening of the new railways in the relevant areas, as well as the level of competition that would be brought to the provision of bus services in the areas," a Transport Department spokesman said.

In overall terms, taking into all relevant factors and measured against these criteria, NWFB scored the highest marks for the route package for Tseung Kwan O/South while KMB scored the highest marks for the route package for Tin Shui Wai/North.

The two companies are strong in management and maintenance capability and have very good performance records. Both of them have proposed new initiatives to improve customer services and to use advanced information technology to enhance the passenger information system and fleet management.

For example, NWFB has proposed a proactive customer liaison programme to further enhance the company's responsiveness to passenger needs, whereas KMB has proposed to provide convenient bus-bus interchange for passengers at Tai Lam Tunnel Plaza, interactive route maps at major bus termini, electronic route planning packs for residents to improve the quality of service.

Both companies are also committed to enhancing co-ordination with the new railways and ensuring smooth implementation of bus rationalisation upon the opening of the new railways.

"To tie in with the population intake of the new development areas, the successful applicants will be required to commence service progressively starting from next year. There will be seven routes requiring about 70 buses for Tseung Kwan O/South by end 2002 and six routes requiring about 120 buses for Tin Shui Wai/North by end 2003 before opening of the new railways," the spokesman said.

Tuesday, November 30, 1999