(c)
(d)
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what are the differences in the driving standard requirements between a driving licence for vehicles of classes 9 and 10 (Private Bus and Public Bus) and a driving licence for vehicles of class 17 (Public Bus- Franchised);
whether it will consider permitting holders of driving licences for vehicles of classes 17 to drive vehicles of classes 4 and 5 on the same basis as holders of driving licences for vehicles of classes 9 and 10?
Reply:
Mr President,
There has always been an overall shortage of franchised bus drivers. Over the past three years, 1700 bus drivers left franchised bus companies representing a wastage rate of about 8%. During the same period, franchised bus driver requirement increased at an annual rate of over 2% to meet the need arising from service improvements. Despite constant recruitment exercises conducted by franchised bus companies the driver requirement could not be fully met and on average there were over 150 vacancies during the 3-year period.
The Transport Department does not have any information to show that the wastage of franchised bus drivers who hold private and public light bus driving licences is higher. As 74% now working with franchised bus companies are licensed to drive franchised buses only, the comparison would not provide a meaningful indicator.
As far as driving tests are concerned, there is no difference between the standards required for driving private, public and franchised buses.
An ample and continuous supply of qualified bus drivers is essential for maintaining proper bus services. The primary concern of the Transport Department is that bus services provided to the travelling public are adequate and reliable. A separate and distinct category of franchised bus driving licence is therefore necessary to safeguard the interest of the vast majority of the travelling public who use franchised bus services.