LCQ1 : Introduction of more Bus-Bus Intercharge schemes encouraged

Following is a question by the Hon Lau Ping-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (January 15) :

Question :

At present, most franchised bus companies implement concessionary Bus-Bus Interchange ("BBI") schemes which offer fare discounts to Octopus card users travelling on designated route packages within specified time limits. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the criteria adopted by these bus companies for selecting the routes involved;

(b) whether it knows the reasons why these bus companies have only introduced BBI schemes in respect of certain routes but not all the routes serving the same areas (e.g. a BBI scheme of the New World First Bus Services Limited covers Routes 38 and 42 running between the Southern District and other areas but not Routes M590 and 590A which also serve the Southern District), and whether it will ask these bus companies to adopt a common approach whereby all bus routes serving the same areas are to be covered by the same BBI scheme; and

(c) whether it knows the reasons why these bus companies have not extended BBI schemes to bus routes of all districts, and whether it will ask them to make the relevant arrangements?

Reply :

Madam President,

As at end 2002, franchised bus companies have implemented 96 bus-bus interchange ("BBI") schemes, covering 330 bus routes or 58 per cent of all bus routes.

In selecting bus routes for BBI schemes, generally franchised bus companies take into account a number of factors including :

(a) the scope to enhance efficient use of bus resources;

(b) the scope to improve network coverage;

(c) operational factors such as capacity of the routes concerned, physical location of the interchange;

(d) availability of alternative direct services;

(e) financial implications arising from the schemes; and

(f) suggestions from the public.

BBI schemes involve the provision of fare concession which has financial impact on the franchised bus companies. In accordance with the system and spirit of free enterprise, it will be the commercial decision of individual bus companies on whether they could offer BBI schemes.

On the specific example mentioned in part (b) of the question, the existing BBI scheme of New World First Bus Services Limited ("NWFB") involving its routes nos. 38 and 42 is intended to facilitate passengers travelling between Southern and Eastern Districts. We understand that when NWFB decided that the above-mentioned BBI scheme should not cover routes nos. 590 and 590A which originate from South Horizons in Southern District, it took into account the factors mentioned above, including the availability of a direct bus route no. 99 provided by Citybus Limited between South Horizons and Shau Kei Wan in Eastern District.

We encourage the introduction of more BBI schemes and, for this purpose, we maintain on-going discussions with franchised bus companies. For 2003, Transport Department has approved 45 applications from franchised bus companies to introduce new BBI schemes which will increase the total number of bus routes providing BBI arrangement from 330 to 379. These new BBI schemes will be implemented subject to consultation with the relevant District Councils.

End/Wednesday, January 15, 2003

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