Dear Colleagues,

You may recall we had alerted you all on the undesirable operation situation of all Staff Bus Routes 1 to 3 in late October 2023. In view of the substantial and persistent under-utilization of Route 2, we also informed you in the same announcement to cease the running of Route 2 after 29 December 2023.

Having reviewed the operation of Route 1 and Route 3 closely for another 2 months, it is regretted to note that both routes have not been able to meet their respective breakeven patronage in a persistent manner even though many colleagues had given us promises that they would continue to support both routes after fares revision during the last consultation.  The patronage of Route 3 has indeed been dropping sharply since the launch of KMB Route 73F.  As a matter of fact, Route 3 has been running at a loss for 4 consecutive months since August 2023.  With more colleagues opting for KMB 73F as evidenced from its rising patronage since introduction because of the stronger fare advantage, it is for sure that the continual operation of Staff Bus Route 3 will not be financially sustainable.  Therefore, in accordance with the principle established and agreed before, we will serve a 2-month termination notice to the operator of Route 3 to cease its operation after 29 February 2024.

On the other hand, though Route 1 is running at a loss and the patronage is still below the breakeven level but only by a margin, it is apparent that many colleagues still have to rely on this route as no other suitable alternatives are available for commuting to and from HK Island.  It is thus proposed to increase the fares by 10% w.e.f. 8 January 2024 with an aim to keep it operating in a financially sustainable manner for the benefits of the colleagues in need.  Please therefore give your full support to continue to use this Route 1 to keep it running.  We will then review the situation of Route 1 again in late February 2024 to decide whether its continual operation should be maintained according to the principle set.  For details of the revised fares, you may refer to the Appendix.

New fare tickets for Route 1 will be available for purchase from 3 January 2024 (Wednesday).  Arrangement for refund of unused fare tickets will be announced shortly.

For enquiries, please contact our Mr. Kelvin Cheung at 2948 6154 or Mr. Raymond Choi at 2948 7474.

Estates Office

https://www.eduhk.hk/eo/system/files/2023-12/Patronage%20of%20Staff%20Bus%20Routes%201%20to%203.jpg

https://www.eduhk.hk/eo/system/files/2023-12/Operating%20Results%20of%20Staff%20Bus%20Routes%201%20to%203.jpg

https://www.eduhk.hk/eo/system/files/2023-12/Patronage%20of%20Route%203%20and%2073F.jpg

https://www.eduhk.hk/eo/system/files/2023-12/Staff%20Bus%20Schedule%2020240108.pdf