Plan to cut buses spurs call for reduced fares
Elaine Yau
SCMP
“Legislators have called for reduced fares and free feeder bus services to compensate passengers affected by changes to bus routes under a proposal to curb roadside pollution.”
These proposals have been met by vehement opposition from district councillors who cite inconvenience to residents and a MTR-monopoly in some districts as grounds for their opposition.
District councillors have rejected 59 of 105 bus route rationalisation plans proposed by the Transport Department in the last three years.
Caution was given by Unionist lawmaker Li Fung-ying who warned against the possibility of putting bus drivers out of work.
Miriam Lau Kin-yee indicated that residents in certain areas would be disproportionately affected.
“The Environment Bureau said it would consider other means to curb pollution, such as installing special devices to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. Undersecretary for Transport and Housing Yau Shing-mu said incentives would be considered.”
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