(08-08-1998)
First Bus gears
up for service
``Unless the service of CMB is very bad or under an emergency situation, we could not terminate CMB’s franchise unilaterally.’’
Cheung Chi-fai
FIRST Bus is still trying to work out a deal with China Motor Bus for earlier access to CMB’s Chai Wan depot facilities to ensure a smooth launch of services on 1 September when school resumes.
The Transport Department has a contingency plan which includes mobilising the reserve fleet of other bus companies in case of unforeseen difficulties for First Bus’ taking over CMB’s facilities and buses.
Even the option of postponing the resumption of school from 1 September has not been ruled out.
``We would not rule this out _ to be used only if the situation should really worsen,’’ Commissioner for Transport Fanny Law Fan Chui-fan said yesterday after meeting two political parties. But Mrs Law stressed this option was not desirable as it would affect the school schedule.
The request by the Democratic Party and Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong for an early takeover of CMB was turned down by Mrs Law, saying the rule of law should be upheld.
``Unless the service of CMB is very bad or under an emergency situation, we could not terminate CMB’s franchise unilaterally before it expired,’’ said Mrs Law who only promised to convey the parties’ demand to CMB.
Meanwhile, a preliminary agreement has been reached between CMB and First Bus on the leasing of Chai Wan depot, the largest owned by CMB.
At midnight of 31 August, the Transport Department will enter the Chai Wan depot to monitor the takeover.
However, First Bus will have access to the buses and facilities in the depot only at 2am, half an hour after the last CMB bus returns to the depot at about 1.30 am.
It will only have two to three hours to prepare before launching its service in the early morning hours.
But managing director Adolf Hsu Hung said the time allowed was enough although it would be better if more time was available.
``We have to change the coin box, filling in diesel, adding water and fixing the machine before we can launch service,’’ he said.
Mr Hsu revealed they had ordered about 600 coin boxes in case CMB could not clear the coins from the box. Trucks carrying diesel would be ready outside the depot if supplies in the depot were not sufficient.
Three engineers from Britain will fly to Hong Kong to help inspect the 700 buses transferred from CMB to First Bus.
First Bus general manager (Operations) Alex Choi Pak-wing said First Bus would be allowed a whole day to inspect the buses. He hoped that at least 530 buses serving 88 routes could be deployed. Meanwhile, no drivers will be given holidays during the first week of service.
First Bus yesterday began issuing appointment letters to drivers of CMB.
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