More flexible: Transport Advisory Committee chairman Teresa Cheng calls on bus companies to offer more flexibility in a proposed fare mechanism for long routes.

The Transport Advisory Committee has called on bus companies to offer more flexibility in a proposed fare mechanism for long routes.

At its meeting today, the council noted public concern over the fare reduction for long and medium-distance routes that will be implemented on an advanced payment day-return basis. Members urged operators to reconsider the proposal so it offers more flexibility.

Members discussed franchise renewal applications for Citybus, New Lantao Bus and KMB.

They were also briefed on special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference.

Council chairman Teresa Cheng said the Transport Department will step up the monitoring of traffic conditions and transport services, and inform the public of any special traffic arrangements through the mass media.

"We hope that, with the Government's efforts and public co-operation, the inconvenience caused to the general public can be minimised," she said.