The Government invites members of the public to submit their views on the requirements of three new franchises for buses.

The current franchises of Citybus’s Airport and North Lantau bus network and Long Win Bus Company will expire on May 1, 2023, and that of New World First Bus Services will expire on July 1, 2023.

The Government said today the three franchisees have indicated interests to apply for new 10-year franchises and it plans to engage them for discussion on the granting of new franchises upon expiry of the current ones.

According to the Public Bus Services Ordinance, the Chief Executive-in-Council may grant a company a franchise giving the right to operate a public bus service for a period not exceeding 10 years.

The ordinance also requires a franchisee to maintain a proper and efficient public bus service to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport during the franchise period.

The Government noted the three companies have been providing proper and efficient bus services and have indicated that they are willing to continue to invest for further enhancement of the bus service.

The Government said it would endeavour to further enhance the quality of bus service and bus safety, noting that the operating environment of the bus industry in the foreseeable future is expected to be even more difficult owing to the rising operating costs and competition from other public transport modes.

The Legislative Council’s Panel on Transport discussed the requirements of the new franchises for the three companies today.

Members of the public may put forth their views on the requirements of the three new franchises using an online form or by post to Bus & Railway Branch, Transport Department, 16/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, fax to 2802 2679 or email bus-franchise@td.gov.hk on or before September 10.