Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says the Government will carefully examine public transport fare-rise applications, adding public affordability and acceptance will be considered.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Ms Cheng said although the fare adjustment mechanism is an important indicator to help the Government arrive at a decision, it must study other factors including the companies' operation cost and service quality.

In response to the suggestion of adding a fuel surcharge into the fare-adjustment formula, Ms Cheng said the move may cause frequent transport fare fluctuations which may not be welcome by the public.

She reiterated that the Government will try its best to strike a balance between public interests and the companies' operation viability.

The secretary said the Government is in discussions with tunnel companies and the Route 3 operator on the possibility of extending their franchise with a view to achieving lower tolls.

Turning to the planning and design of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, Ms Cheng said the construction is necessary. It will facilitate further economic integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

She hoped the new link's rail fare can be competitive, adding the Government, MTR Corporation and the Mainland authorities will discuss the issue.