KMB fixes fare-rebates glitch

Kowloon Motor Bus said on Saturday a problem with its fare-rebate system that was believed to have malfunctioned following updates to bring it in line with the revised HK$2 scheme coming into effect on Friday had been fixed. Under the revised scheme, people aged 60 and above, as well as the disabled, pay a flat HK$2 fare for trips costing HK$10 or less and 20 percent of fares for trips costing more than that. Reports of some passengers getting a full rebate instead of a partial one prompted the SAR administration to express concern and the Transport Department to instruct KMB to launch an immediate investigation to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The department said KMB, being a major public transport operator, "must correct the relevant system as soon as possible". Responding to media enquiries, the bus giant said its fare-rebate system was functioning properly following an inspection. It reiterated that no passengers were charged more than they should have paid and no additional subsidies would be required. Speaking after appearing on a TV programme on Saturday, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun reiterated that both affected passengers and the government would not incur any loss as a result of the malfunction. "I can assure everyone here that for public money, there will be no loss," he told reporters. "Any loss will be fully shouldered by the bus company. As for public money, there will be no additional charge for the government. "We will make sure that the use of public monies will be strictly in accordance with the agreement as reached between the government and the bus company. "For passengers, they will also not suffer any loss. Any loss arising from this small aberration will be borne by the bus company involved." Edited by Thomas McAlinden