The Transport Department today announced its approval for the operators of two red minibus (RMB) routes to convert these into fixed-schedule green minibus (GMB) route operations. The converted routes are expected to commence service in March.

One of the routes is between Hiu Kwong Street in Sau Mau Ping and Pak Hoi Street in Jordan. The other is a circular route between Park YOHO in Yuen Long and Yuen Long Station on Long Ming Street.

Under its RMB to GMB conversion scheme, the department received two applications for conversion during the application period. It completed a review last month to determine if the applicants met the conditions for operating GMBs.

The requirements for operators include having recruited enough drivers for the routes, and ensuring their daily operations and fares are subject to the department’s approval and monitoring. Following endorsement from the selection board, approval letters were issued to the applicants.

The operators have started preparations for their new operations. This includes drawing up schedules of service, procuring stop signs for termini and en-route stops, updating the livery of their vehicles, recruiting drivers, and applying for their new GMB routes to participate in the $2 ‍concessionary fare scheme and the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme.

Stressing that the Government aims to encourage the conversion of RMBs to GMBs, the department said it will consider the way forward for the scheme by monitoring the implementation of the converted routes and gathering feedback from operators.