The revisions to the Guidelines on Bus Captain Working Hours, Rest Times & Meal Breaks, announced on February 23 have, as far as practicable, struck a balance among the provision of proper bus services for passengers, the rest times of bus captains and the operational needs of bus companies.

The Transport Department made the statement in response to media enquiries today.

While proposing the regulation of rest times for special shifts, the revised guidelines also stipulated the upper limit of driving hours should not exceed 10 hours, which tally with all bus captains on other duty shifts.

It also stated the rest times should not be less than three consecutive hours for bus captains in a special shift.

The department said it will encourage bus companies to make effective arrangements on the shift duties of bus captains and shorten their working and driving hours.

It will closely monitor the situation to ensure the special shifts are arranged based on genuine operational needs.

The department added it is very concerned about the remuneration packages of bus captains, adding all bus companies have introduced enhanced remuneration of bus captains and also started discussions on the annual pay adjustment.

It hopes bus captains and bus companies reach a consensus as soon as possible.

It urged bus captains to remain rational and exercise restraint in exercising their labour rights, and maintain proper bus services.