Four major franchised bus companies in Hong Kong have formally requested government approval for fare adjustments between 8.1 and 17.7 percent. The operators, including Kowloon Motor Bus, Citybus, Long Win Bus, and New Lantao Bus, submitted their proposals to the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The firms attribute these requested hikes to severe financial strain caused by a dramatic surge in diesel prices, which have risen by as much as 134 percent. Despite a previous government subsidy of HK$3 per litre that concluded in late June, the companies report that their operational fuel expenditures have escalated by up to 132 percent. These financial pressures are largely linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy markets and increased costs for local transport providers.
Source : Hong Kong Free Press
Photo : Hong Kong Free Press
