TD's statement on GMB fare reduction/concession proposals

In response to media enquiries on news reports about Green Minibus (GMB) fare reduction/concession proposals, a Transport Department spokesman today (August 5) said:

"We welcome the initiatives taken by Public Light Bus associations to consider fare reduction/concessions in response to the recent public concerns about the level of public transport fares. We encourage them to explore measures which could help relieve the burden of the travelling public, taking into account their own operating conditions.

"We support the introduction of GMB-Rail Interchange (GRI) schemes and encourage the railway corporations and the GMB operators to come together and develop such schemes.

"If, having examined their own operating costs, GMB operators propose to reduce the fares of their routes, we will process these applications promptly. We are awaiting such applications from the trade."

End/Monday, August 5, 2002