Bus passengers will have to pay a little more next year as Hong Kong's four bus companies get ready to cease concessionary schemes launched in 2006.

Citybus and New World First Bus announced yesterday that the holiday concession scheme for senior citizens that use the Octopus card - which only charges HK$2 for every journey on Sundays and holidays - as well as same day return fare discounts for solely operated routes and jointly operated cross harbour routes will end between January 20 and July 1.

The two companies, both owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and NWS Holdings, said revenues have been declining "tremendously" in recent years due to escalating operating costs.

"In view of the financial hardship, the companies decided to cease the above mentioned schemes upon expiry," a media release said.

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Long Win Bus also announced similar moves yesterday.

KMB said it incurred a loss of HK$160 million in the first half of 2008.

After the schemes are scrapped, senior citizens will have to pay half of the fares on Sundays and holidays instead of just HK$2.

Other passengers, especially those traveling on long routes, will also pay more after same-day return fare discounts that offers between 10 and 20 percent off return journeys is cancelled.

For example, those traveling with Citibus route 682 from Ma On Shan to Chai Wan will need to pay the full return fare of HK$19 instead of HK$15.2.

Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng said the government has been encouraging public transport operators to give concessions to help cut travel expenses.

"As regards the provision of fare concessions, in accordance with the spirit of free enterprise, it is the commercial decision of individual public transport operators," she said in a written reply to a question raised by legislator Albert Chan.

Legislative Council Transport Panel Deputy Chairman Andrew Cheng criticized the bus companies for ignoring social responsibility.

"We are facing the financial tsunami and fuel costs have lowered. It is ridiculous for the bus companies to cancel the concessionary schemes," he said.

Richard Tsoi, spokesperson for the Coalition to Monitor Public Transport and Utilities, said the move is unreasonable.

He said the bus companies should actually reduce fares after the lowered fuel costs. He added that travel expenses for those who live in remote areas would increase by about 10 percent.

(HK Edition 12/11/2008 page1)