Hong Kong passengers who were overcharged by as much as HK$1 (13 US cents) per trip on four minibus routes in the New Territories can get a refund starting Monday, authorities have said.
The Transport Department earlier said that four green-top minibus routes – 501A, 501X, 501K, and 501S – operated by Fully Mint Limited had charged passengers 30 HK cents to HK$1 more than the approved fare per trip between May and July. The overcharging was uncovered during regular checks.
Affected passengers who paid with Octopus cards can visit service points at MTR stations, including Sheung Shui and Fanling, or the payment tool’s mobile app for a refund before April 30, 2025.
Those who paid with cash can collect the overcharged fares from the operator by visiting the Wo Mun Street public light bus terminus in Fanling’s Luen Wo Hui between 9am and 1pm or 6pm and 8pm before September 4. They will need to provide their names and contact details.
Passengers who used Alipay or AlipayHK are expected to receive their refunds on Monday morning.
Elderly and disabled people on the HK$2 transport fare concession were not affected, but the operator will reimburse the government for the overpaid subsidies.
Transport authorities earlier called the overcharging “unacceptable” and ordered the service provider and stored value facility operators to conduct thorough investigations into the incident.
Green-top minibuses are government-regulated and must adhere to specific routes and schedules.
The full fare for routes 501A, 501C and 501K, which cover parts of Fanling, is HK$5.4, while the full price for route 501S, between Sheung Shui station and Kwun Tong, is HK$27.
