The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd, Citybus and New Lantao Bus have each applied for a fare increase of more than 10%, according to reports citing sources.
The applications are reported to be due for discussion by the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on Friday, 16 October 2026. Star Headline reported that the operators had submitted them to the government as early as April.
When they applied, Middle East tensions had pushed fuel prices sharply higher. Since then, global conditions have remained tense, fuel prices have not fallen markedly and operating costs have continued to rise, Star Headline reported.
The previous fare round offers a comparison. In 2024, The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd sought a 6.5% rise, Citybus 9.5% and New Lantao Bus 6.5%. The Chief Executive in Council approved increases of 4.3%, 7.5% and 6.5%, respectively, HK01 reported.
HK01 reported that a fund which waives tunnel fees for franchised bus operators has been used in recent years to ease fare increases. The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd had HK$236 million in the fund as of December 2025, while Citybus and New Lantao Bus had comparatively smaller balances.