Transport chief Mable Chan says govt will ensure public transport fares are affordable

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With international oil prices continuing to rise, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said if public transport operators propose fare increases, several factors will be considered to ensure affordability for the public.

The continued rise in oil prices is not only felt by car owners, but also by buses, minibuses, and taxis, which have to pay for more expensive fuel.

Chan that she has contacted several public transport operators to understand the impact on costs.

Chan said: “If individual operators apply for fare adjustments, we have a mechanism to handle this, taking into account overall operating revenue and costs, and anticipated passenger growth.

We will certainly ensure that fares are affordable to the public, while also ensuring the financial sustainability of operators.”

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines, and Greater Bay Airlines have all announced increases in fuel surcharges on most routes within four days, with some increases exceeding 100%.

Chan expressed concern, requesting airlines to increase transparency and stating that she will closely monitor this trend.

She also mentioned that many goods from Hong Kong were previously transshipped to Europe and America via the Middle East. 

However, the current instability in the Middle East and the continued disruption to passenger and cargo transport present new opportunities for Hong Kong.

Chan said: “We can increase direct shipping capacity to Europe and the United States from Hong Kong, or increase capacity in Hong Kong to provide some transit services.

We will seize the opportunity presented by the conflict in the Middle East to address this crisis and make the most of it.”

Chan also pointed out that some cargo ships have had to temporarily unload their cargo in Hong Kong due to the turmoil in the Middle East. 

Chan said: “Hong Kong's container terminals are highly efficient, handling cargo in less than a day on average, which can help shipping companies "make up" for lost time and mitigate the impact of the war on the global shipping supply chain.”