The Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Executive Council, recently approved fare increases for three bus companies, with the new fares set to take effect on January 5th of next year. The increase, reaching a maximum of 7.5%, significantly surpasses Hong Kong's inflation rate, immediately triggering strong public dissatisfaction. Citizens criticized the substantial fare hike, especially considering the perceived poor quality of bus services, further exacerbating the already high cost of living.
A street interview conducted by a newspaper reporter at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel bus terminus revealed that the vast majority of citizens deemed the fare increase excessive. Mr. Yang, a resident, bluntly stated that the bus companies were "taking advantage of the situation to raise prices," shifting the burden onto passengers. He criticized the disproportionate relationship between service quality and fares, citing "severe delays that have caused significant inconvenience to commuters."
Ms. Xu, a visitor from Jiangsu province, echoed the sentiment, calling the increase "exaggerated." She indicated that if bus fares continue to rise, she would consider switching to the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Ms. Ling pointed out that the price hike puts pressure on young people whose salaries haven't kept pace with inflation, while elderly residents worry about the potential cancellation of senior citizen discounts due to the bus companies' financial difficulties.
The bus companies claim that the fare increase is necessary due to operational difficulties, a statement met with widespread skepticism. Some citizens argued that "as a necessity of life, public transport shouldn't be making losses," suggesting that the companies should explore cost-cutting measures, such as reducing less-utilized routes, instead of simply raising fares.
Another interviewee mentioned Hong Kong's current poor economic climate and stagnant wages, expressing dissatisfaction with the timing of the fare increase. They voiced concerns that "once they've made their profit, they won't reduce fares," questioning the necessity and transparency of the decision.
Many citizens believe that fare increases should be based on inflation rates, rather than exceeding reasonable limits by such a large margin. Mr. Yang suggested that the government should more rigorously scrutinize the bus companies' financial situations, implementing regulatory mechanisms to ensure fair pricing. He also urged the companies to improve service quality and bus schedules to meet public demands.
In conclusion, the bus fare increase not only adds to the financial burden on citizens but also exposes a crisis of confidence in public transport services. Balancing financial viability with the interests of the public while maintaining service quality will be a significant challenge for both the bus companies and the government in the future.