The Census & Statistics Department has improved its statistical work process after a fault was found in the wage index of the transport services sector in September and December.

The department today rectified the nominal and real wage indices of the transport services sector in September from 151 and 116.1 to 155.8 and 119.7, and those in December from 145.1 and 106.8 to 150.5 and 110.8.

It said the anomaly was caused by an error when a field officer did the manual computation, adding a comprehensive review of the wage statistics compiled in the past three years found that all other wage figures are correct.

To prevent a recurrence the department has enhanced data processing procedures, strengthened the sample quality check system and enhanced sensitivity tests in data collection and processing. It has also strengthened the data verification process.

Fare adjustment outcomes

In the light of the rectification the Transport & Housing Bureau has re-calculated the bus fare adjustment formula outcome.

The revised latest quarterly formula outcome under the bus fare adjustment arrangement is -1.26%, which has not yet reached the -2% triggering point for bus fare review.

The rate of the MTR fare adjustment mechanism is +0.7%, instead of -1.05% as released on March 26. As the rate does not trigger the fare adjustment threshold under the mechanism, the company will not adjust its fares this year.