Tough road lies ahead for KMB

Kowloon Motor Bus has published a book to mark its 80th anniversary.mini storage It chronicles the challenges the company has faced since it was established in 1933, and its successes. The author of 80 Years with KMB, local historian Ko Tim-keung, is a member of the Antiquities Advisory Board, and has published numerous works about Hong Kong's past. The book's picture collection illustrates the territory's development over the years and how KMB has grown with the community. The biggest challenge for KMB in recent years has been a transportation policy that favors the railways. Passenger demand for bus services has been falling, and there is also the problem of route duplication. There was a time when a public bus operation guaranteed profit. Now the company must either reshuffle routes or put up fares substantially if it wants to stay in the black. Some of the company's route reconfigurationsself storagewere given official approval recently. This is a good start, concedes KMB corporate affairs director Vivien Chan Pik- kwan, while noting it is too early to celebrate as more sensitive revamps have yet to be approved. Objections on the district level could not be ruled out, Chan said, particularly in respect of urban route changes. Facing competition from new rail lines, KMB must revise routes to avoid loss, but residents of affected areas are not happy. Having learned from experience, the company now works more closely with rail management in devising re-routing plans. Lobbying work is also important, and the company has been explaining its problems to the public. The public bus service is a part of Hong Kong's collective memory, and I am sure people will be more sympathetic if they have a better understanding of the bus company's plight. Siu Sai-wo is chief editor of Sing Tao Daily 迷你倉