Some of the maintenance on the small buses is contracted. A strong maintenance program, despite the large fleet and crowed conditions, results in utilization of equipment of 90 or more percent. There is no route subsidy fro franchiesed bus companies in Hong Kong. KMB and other bus companies recieve fuel and road tax concessions. Fares on KMB routes are only by cash.
Bus passes, multiple ride, or token systems are being considered.
KMB takes in aobut 45 tons of coin each day. It crates a coin shortage in the community. KMB adds some revenue by selling coin at a samll premium to some cash-based business. The KMB franchises are due for renewal this year. John Chan Cho Chak, managing director, feels that a new or extended franchise will be granted.