Transport Department statement on "members only" bus services

In response to media enquiries, a Transport Department spokesman today (September 3) said any bus services charging separate fares, or any free public bus services operating for more than 14 days in 12 months must get prior approval from the Commissioner for Transport. Failure to do so meant the services would be illegal.

Recently, there were non-franchised bus services plying between the urban area and San Tin Public Transport Interchange operating under the guise of a "members-only service".

"It was noted that the 'members-only bus services' recruited passengers by inviting them to join as members, and charged each of them a fare of about $20 each trip," the spokesman said.

"Without the Transport Department's approval, they are unauthorised and illegal. The department, together with the Police, will make every effort to crack down on such activities," the spokesman said. The department and the Police will take prompt enforcement action against those who participate in such illegal activities, including conducting inquiries into bus operators, which may lead to cancellation of their passenger service licences on conviction."

Operation of unauthorised bus services is in contravention of Section 4 of Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230) or Section 52 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374). On conviction, those contravening the former legal provision will be liable to a fine of $100,000. Those found contravening the latter legal provision will be liable to a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for three months on the first conviction, and a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months on subsequent convictions. The Commissioner for Transport may also order an inquiry in accordance with Section 30 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374). After considering the result of an inquiry and the circumstances of the case, the Commissioner may cancel the passenger service licences of the bus operator concerned and as a result the operator would be prohibited from operating bus services.

Between the end of 2003 and August 2004, the department initiated about 50 inquiries. Among the cases upon which decisions have been made, the passenger service licences and vehicle licences in respect of about 30 buses registered under 15 bus operators were suspended for two to four months.

Ends/Friday, September 3, 2004