Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Classifying Bus Service 502 as "Trunk" instead of Express Bus Service and Reviewing Higher Fares for Express Buses

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     why is Bus Service 502 classified as an express bus service with higher fares when there are trunk bus services that have longer express sectors than Bus Service 502; and 

b.     whether the Government can consider classifying Bus Service 502 as a trunk bus service or review the need to charge higher fares for express bus services.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Express bus services like Service 502 serve as alternative transport options for commuters who prefer direct bus connections. The classification is based on several considerations, and does not only depend on the length of the route. Higher fares are charged for express bus services as they provide shorter travel time or greater convenience compared to normal bus services plying similar routes.