The Hong Kong government said on August 28, 2026, that it planned to hold discussions with New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) and The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) on granting new 10-year franchises upon expiry of their current ones. A government spokesman said the current NLB franchise was due to expire on March 1, 2027, and the KMB franchise on July 1, 2027. Both operators had already indicated an interest in applying for new 10-year franchises, and members of the public were invited to offer views on the two franchises.

Under the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230), the Chief Executive in Council may grant a franchise of up to 10 years, and a franchisee must maintain a proper and efficient public bus service to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport throughout the franchise period. The spokesman said the government would seek stability of franchised bus services while pushing ahead with enhanced services and safety for the two operators, with their operations and financial positions kept sound and sustainable. The Legislative Council Panel on Transport discussed the operators' services and the new franchise matters on March 20, 2026.

Views could be submitted by post to the Transport Department's Bus and Railway Branch in Yau Ma Tei, by fax to 2802 2679, or by email to bus-franchise@td.gov.hk on or before September 28, 2026.