Substantial increases in public transport fares; Malaysia new political set-up; World Cup 2022

8:30am-9:15am: public transport fare increase

8:30am-9:00am: Alok Jain, CEO and Managing Director, Trans-Consult

8:30am-9:00am: Gary Zhang, New Territories North lawmaker; deputy chairman of the Legisla-tive Council’s subcommittee on railway affairs

9:00am-9:15am: Michael Tien, Roundtable Convenor and Legislative Councillor 

9:15am-9:25am: Malaysia new political set-up

9:15am-9:25am: Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, an in-dependent policy think tank in Malaysia 

9:25am-9:30am: World Cup 2022

9:25am-9:30am: Atom Cheung, RTHK sports reporter


On Monday’s Backchat, we’re talking about pressure from transport operators for substantial in-creases in their fares.

The bus companies have applied to raise fares by as much as 20 percent, amid higher operating costs and falling passenger numbers, with lawmakers suggesting that the government extend fuel subsidies to lessen fare increases.

Urban taxi operators are also seeking a $6 rise in the flag fall, pointing to higher costs for insurance and fuel, while the Star Ferry wants to double the amount that adult passengers have to pay -- up to $8.40 per trip.

Tram fares have already gone up by 15.4 percent this year.

After 9.15am, we’ll talk about the new political set-up in Malaysia.

And at 9.25am, we'll be joined by RTHK sports reporter Atom Cheung with the latest on the football World Cup.