Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung said established arrangements have been in place to regulate franchised buses’ performance, repairs and maintenance.
In a written reply to a lawmakers' question today, Prof Cheung said each new franchised bus model must undergo a type-approval process that requires its design and construction to comply with the law to ensure it is roadworthy.
He said franchised buses must be examined annually to ensure proper functioning of mechanical parts. Franchised bus operators must also conduct regular maintenance and proper repairs to keep their buses in safe and good condition.
He noted that the Transport Department also conducts surprise inspections to supervise franchised buses’ proper maintenance.
The department also encourages franchised bus companies to acquire buses which are safe and with better performance to satisfy passengers’ general aspirations with respect to vehicle performance on uphill roads, he said.
“In doing so, the fare level should be kept at a generally stable level,” he added.