ENG-2015 — Page 258

13

Transport

In 2015, the government continued to work with bus operators to actively rationalise their services, including using an 'area approach' to review bus services on an area basis rather than route by route, so as to enhance network efficiency, improve service quality, alleviate traffic congestion and improve roadside air quality. The focus in 2015 was on rationalising bus services in Kowloon. Passengers could enjoy a more extensive interchange network and fare concessions when interchanging. Changes were also introduced to bus services for western and southern parts of Hong Kong Island to achieve better co-ordination with the opening of a new railway line, the West Island Line.

On 22 September 2015, the government granted new 10-year franchises to CTB in respect of its Hong Kong Island and cross-harbour bus network and to NLB for them to continue operating their existing services on the expiry of their franchises in June 2016 and March 2017 respectively. The two companies will continue to improve their services and further invest in bus operations. In particular, both are committed to introducing a real-time bus information. system in phases within two years of starting their new franchises.

Non-franchised Buses

Non-franchised bus services play a supplementary role in the public transport system. They relieve heavy demand on regular public transport services primarily during peak hours, fill gaps which cannot be met by regular public transport services, and provide tailor-made services to specific groups of passengers. They serve mainly tourists, estate residents, employees and students. At the year end, there were 7,045 registered non-franchised public buses.

Public Light Buses

Public light buses (PLBs) are licensed to carry a maximum of 16 passengers each. The number of PLBs has been capped at 4,350 since 1976. They together provide about 1.86 million passenger trips per day.

There are two types of PLBS - green minibuses (GMBS) and red minibuses (RMBS). GMBS provide scheduled services with fixed routes, fares, vehicle allocation and timetables as stipulated by the Transport Department. At the year end, 3,204 GMBs were operating 351 routes, recording a daily average of 1,525,900 passenger trips. RMBS are not required to operate on fixed routes or timetables and may set their own fares but are subject to restrictions on their operating areas. There were 1,146 RMBS in operation at the year end, recording a daily average of 338,300 passenger trips.

To further enhance safety and quality of service, applicants for PLB driving licences are required by law to complete a pre-service course with effect from 1 June 2015.

Taxis

At the year end, there were 15,250 red urban taxis, 2,838 green New Territories taxis and 50 blue Lantau taxis, carrying about one million passengers per day. There were about 750 taxi stands. and designated taxi pick-up/drop-off points.

In view of passenger demand, future developments and the projected growth of the local population and visitors on Lantau Island, the government invited open tenders for 25 new

210