Chit Fai Motors Company Limited (捷輝汽車有限公司), abbreviated as "Chit Fai" or "CFM", was one of Hong Kong's well-managed green minibus operators. Its Public Service License (PSL) number was 19250C, based in Hung Hom Whampoa Garden. Before closing, it operated four full-day routes, covering Tsim Sha Tsui, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon Tong, and Yau Yat Chuen, with a fleet exceeding 50 vehicles at its peak.[1]
The company operated a subsidiary called CFM Management Company Limited (捷運管理有限公司), which handled most of the company’s public relations activities in its later years. Before its closure, both companies were wholly-owned subsidiaries of Chit Fai Public Transport Holding Company Limited (捷輝公共運輸控股有限公司), which applied for listing on the Hong Kong Growth Enterprise Market in 2015, though the application was withdrawn.
Before closing, the company's office was located at Shop 2, G/F, Guardforce Centre, 3 Hok Yuen East Street, Hung Hom, with the hotline 2774 6649.
History[]
Early Development[]
Chit Fai Motors Company Limited was established on 15 November 1977, by Tse Shui On and another business partner[2]. Tse Shui On was granted the operating licence by the Transport Department to operate a public light bus route between Whampoa Estate, via Hung Hom KCR Station, and Tsim Sha Tsui, which became Route 6. Chit Fai officially began operating the route on October 22, 1979. In 1986, Tse Shui On transferred the Public Service License (PSL) for Route 6 to Chit Fai Motors Company Limited.
When Whampoa Garden was opened for residents, Route 6 was extended to Whampoa Garden in 1987. Its more direct routing to Tsim Sha Tsui made it highly attractive to residents, leading to high demand. In 1999, Chit Fai took over the poorly managed Route 2 from another operator, following a bidding process initiated by the Transport Department. With the Chinese slogan "全新管理，盡善盡美全新管理，盡善盡美", Chit Fai successfully regained passenger trust, with both routes generating over 30 million HKD annually for the company. To meet passenger demand, Chit Fai later opened auxiliary routes 2A, 6A, and 6X, further expanding its service network.
In 2007, Chit Fai’s subsidiary Ample Corporation Limited (安博有限公司) (PSL number: 19198C) launched two new minibus routes, 82 and 82M, but due to significant financial losses, the company ceased operations of these routes on November 30, 2008.[3]
On 26 May 2010, Chit Fai launched its official YouTube channel under the name "CHITFAI CFM," making it the first public light bus operator in Hong Kong to establish an official YouTube channel. Later, on November 14, 2014, Chit Fai established an official Facebook page under the name "CFM Management Company Limited," becoming the second public light bus operator in Hong Kong to do so. [Remark 1]
In late January 2016, Chit Fai consolidated the Passenger Service Licences (PSL) for its two route groups, combining 9101C (2 series) and 3686C (6 series) into a single license with the number 19250C. By the end of February, the company joined the $2 Fare Concession Scheme. Although the company had offered concessionary fares to the elderly for over 20 years, the scheme involved public funding, and the approval process was stringent.[4] After enduring delays, the company was finally approved to participate in the scheme.[5] Following the announcement, Whampoa Garden District Councilor Priscilla Leung Mei-fun posted online, claiming credit for securing the fare concession. However, Chit Fai pointed out on its Facebook page that it had borne the brunt of public criticism alone since the introduction of the 2 HKD scheme, suggesting that Leung's claim of "successful lobbying" was laughable. [6]
After the merger of the two PSLs, vehicle dispatching became more flexible. For example, when there are many people waiting for Whampoa Garden6, the regulator can instruct 2 vehicles to immediately switch to 6.
After the extension of Kwun Tong Line opened in October 2016, Chit Fai changed its company colours from green and yellow to light blue. All bus stop signs, route sheets, fare tables, route signs, and minibus advertisements were updated to the new colour scheme.
MTR Direct to Whampoa[]
After the opening of Kwun Tong Line extension in October 2016, Whampoa became accessible by MTR. The new MTR station is closer to the Whampoa minibus terminus, directly impacting Chit Fai's base of operations. The passenger volume on existing minibus routes in the area was immediately affected. On the first working day after the railway opened, Chit Fai's Executive Director, Terence Tse Kin-leung (謝健良) , stated that the passenger volume on Route 2 and Route 6 had decreased noticeably. The queue length at Whampoa Station for Route 6 was reduced by 20%, and the frequency of departures for Routes 2 and 2A from Whampoa Station averaged only half the passengers, a significant drop from the previous 75% capacity (limited to 12 passengers) [7]; the passenger volume at intermediate stops remained generally stable. However, due to fewer full minibuses departing from the terminus, passengers at intermediate stops found it easier to get a seat, and Chit Fai even introduced Route 2M to facilitate passenger interchanges to Kwun Tong Line.
In response to the continuing decline in passenger volume, Chit Fai planned to reorganise its minibus services and submitted a route reorganisation proposal to the Transport Department in early 2016. The proposal included rerouting Route 6X to pass through East Tsim Sha Tsui before reaching the Hankow Road terminus and introducing a new route 6C between Harbour Place and MTR Jordan Station; however, the department rejected the reorganisation proposal due to serious illegal parking issues on Hung Hom Bay and the abundance of taxis waiting for passengers at East Tsim Sha Tsui [8].
Frustrated with the situation, Chit Fai issued a press release on 27 August 2017, criticising the department for lack of long-term planning for minibus services and obstructing route reorganisation. The company claimed that the department's actions disregarded public transportation needs and affected service usage and that the department's actions also exacerbated conflicts among local industry peers and eroded mutual trust. Consequently, Chit Fai publicly demanded that Ms. Li Sui-chen, Acting Commissioner for Transport, handle Chit Fai's route reorganisation plan seriously and fairly, and to complete the revision of Route 2A within two months, complete all administrative procedures for taking over Route 7 within two months, and ensure all department staff handle industry matters impartially [9].
Eventually, Chit Fai successfully reorganised the Route 6 series, introducing Route 6C in November 2017 and canceling Route 6A. The company also rerouted Route 6X via East Tsim Sha Tsui in March the following year.
Concering the industry development[]
As early as 1995, Chit Fai discovered that a company under the Hutchison Whampoa Group was illegally operating a free shuttle bus service between Hung Hom Station and Whampoa Garden under the guise of providing transport for the Harbour Place employees. Despite complaints to the Transport Department, there was no progress, leading Chit Fai to file a complaint with the Ombudsman in 1999.
After investigation, the Ombudsman criticised the Transport Department for its "feeble response to complaints." As illegal resident and shuttle bus issues persisted, Chit Fai wrote to the Legislative Council Secretariat's Complaints Division in December 2001, accusing the Transport Department of bureaucratic and inefficient attitudes in tackling resident and shuttle village buses, representing industry concerns about inadequate monitoring of non-franchised buses, which harmed industry interests [10]. In July 2002, Chit Fai escalated the matter by filing for judicial review in the High Court, accusing the Transport Department of breaching promises and issuing licences to legalise Hutchison Whampoa’s free bus service without consultation, harming franchised minibus operations, and seeking to overturn the department's decision [11].
Chit Fai, which had long been concerned with industry development, was also a non-official member of the "Committee on Promoting the Use of Alternative Fuel Buses" and the "Committee on Monitoring the Use of Alternative Fuel Buses," assisting the government in implementing the alternative fuel minibus trial program [12]. However, Chit Fai did not participate in the LPG and electric minibus trials conducted between 2000 and 2001. Instead, in the mid-2000s, it introduced two Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses and one Iveco Daily minibus (LH1994) for trial purposes, becoming the only public minibus operator in Hong Kong using these two models. Both vehicles were returned to the dealer in December 2005 and sold in January 2008.
In July 2010, the government proposed legislation to regulate "Switching Off Idling Engines," which conflicted with the "carbon burn" process required for Euro IV minibuses. Chit Fai wrote to the Legislative Council to argue that Euro IV minibuses needed to "idle" during the carbon burn process; otherwise, vehicles would suffer accelerated wear and tear, and even require factory repairs, affecting service quality [13], and even produced a video to explain to the public the reasons for opposing the plan [14].
Before its closure, Chit Fai was one of the few minibus operators in Hong Kong with Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses. In 2013, the company received government funding from the "Green Transport Trial Fund" to purchase two hybrid minibuses developed by GMI in Hong Kong, equipped with Chinese Dongfeng chassis, German Siemens electric motors, and American Valence lithium iron phosphate batteries. The minibuses were fitted in Tuen Mun, registered in November of the same year, and deployed on 6, 6A, and 6X routes [15].
In early January 2016, Chit Fai introduced a new long-wheelbase Mitsubishi Rosa minibus into service, pioneering the industry by installing electronic route signs on the sides and rear of the buses. This feature was later extended to some existing Toyota Coaster minibuses, making it unique among franchised minibus operators in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the electronic route signs proved to be unreliable, with multiple new Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses experiencing issues with non-functional or damaged signs within two years (starting from 2018). Some signs were even removed and replaced with yellow-green paper signs; older Mitsubishi Rosa and Toyota Coaster minibuses experienced fewer sign malfunctions.
On 7 July 2017, the government amended the Road Traffic Ordinance to increase the minibus seat capacity from 16 to 19. By September 2018, 40% of Chit Fai’s fleet, over 20 minibuses, were 19-seat minibuses, including about 17 Mitsubishi Rosas and 3 Golden Dragon minibuses, but none were Toyota Coaster. Executive Director Tse Kin-leung (謝健良) anticipated purchasing 7 to 8 new minibuses in the coming year. However, the cost of new 19-seat minibuses, approximately HKD 700,000 each, was higher than the previous HKD 600,000, and the industry would weigh passenger volume and vehicle age before deciding whether to replace vehicles. Additionally, the impact of new railway lines on minibus operations and difficulty in hiring drivers may reduce the need for vehicle replacement [16]. At the end of 2019, Chit Fai acquired 10 second-hand 16-seat Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses from AMS Public Transport, replacing several decommissioned minibuses of the same model.
In 2018, Chit Fai responded to the government’s low-floor minibus trial program by introducing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for testing in mid-year.
Chit Fai planned to collaborate with Mapking in 2019 to test a "fatigue driving management system" on a minibus. The system would detect the driver's facial profile and emit vibrations or sound alerts if the driver’s gaze deviated from the road, reminding the driver to stay focused [17].
Eventual closure[]
It was previously mentioned that the passenger volume of routes 6 series under the company decreased significantly after the opening of the Kwun Tong Line Extension. Despite the successful reorganization of the 6 series that CFM had strived for, which was implemented in November 2017, the ridership of the newly established Route 6C did not meet expectations. As a result, both routes 6C and 2M were suspended in July of the following year due to "staff shortages" and officially ceased operations in December of the same year.
Afterwards, the business environment for CFM Motors worsened further. Not only did the problem of passenger loss persist, but the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests and the 2020 novel coronavirus pandemic severely impacted CFM’s operations, causing monthly losses of over two million. With no sign of improvement in the short term, CFM eventually announced its liquidation and closure on 9 April, with all routes ceasing service the next day (10 April)[18]. Many locals viewed this as too abrupt [19]. Following intervention by Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan and Legislative Council member Helena Wong, Routes 2 and 6 continued operating until 11 April, while the remaining routes ceased on 10 April [20].
Subsequently, Kellis Limited agreed to temporarily take over the Route 2 series from 12 April, hiring more than a dozen drivers from CFM Motors, with a few reassigned to drive Routes 26 and 26A, whereas Route 6 series was discontinued as planned [21][22][23]. Additionally, some well-performing drivers were transferred to the affiliated company Wai Ching Industrial to operate Routes 806A and 806B between Tai Po and Sha Tin, as well as Route 413 between Tsing Yi and Princess Margaret Hospital[24].
Chit Fai Motors, which has been serving the Whampoa Garden for over 40 years, operates four routes with frequent services. Known for its excellent service attitude and high safety standards, it is one of the top minibus operators in Hong Kong. They have also set up a Facebook page to interact with netizens sincerely, and many passengers are very satisfied with their service and many residents of Whampoa Garden even describe it as part of their lives. Their good operational record is often reported, such as when a driver on Route 2A was praised by netizens and locals for bilingual announcements and reminding passengers to alight[25]. The employee benefits are better than other minibus companies, and the owner was even lenient with employees who are late for a reason, many drivers described it as the "number one" minibus company in Hong Kong.[26] Additionally, the owner of Chit Fai Motors was concerned about the development of the minibus industry and has repeatedly criticised the Transport Department for ignoring the transportation needs of the public[27].
Therefore, when Chit Fai Motors reluctantly announced its liquidation and closure, it was unusually reported in the news [Remark 2]. Many locals and drivers expressed regret, and netizens praised it as a "conscientious minibus" (良心小巴) in the comments section of the announcement on Chit Fai Motors’ Facebook page, lamenting that its excellent management and good service were not appreciated by other operators in the industry and could not escape the fate of closure. Many bus enthusiasts even made a special trip to photograph the minibuses’ farewell ceremony. On the last day of service, many bus enthusiasts went to photograph the last minibus arriving at Whampoa Garden despite the gathering restrictions. Chit Fai Motors also placed farewell messages for passengers at the front of the bus;[28][29] at the same time, Chit Fai Motors allowed non-employees to drive their minibus routes as additional minibuses on the last day of service.[30][31] On the last day of service, the last minibus returning to the Whampoa terminus was CT2289 on route 2.[32]
After the closure, the director of Chit Fai Motors, Terence Tse, accepted a media interview stating that the government did not accept some of the reforms proposed by Chit Fai Motors. He also mentioned that all employee salaries, severance payments, and long-term service payments had been fully paid.[33] During a District Council meeting, the Transport Department stated that it would not re-tender routes 6 and 6X, and in response, Tse and other attending representatives of minibus operators criticised the Transport Department’s traffic policies and mindset as being at least 30 years behind. They also criticised the government’s railway-first policy for making it difficult for the minibus industry to survive.[34]
Features[]
Chit Fai Motors has several distinctive features compared to other minibus operators:
- Drivers are mandated to wear uniforms, and are generally polite, and emphasised road safety awareness[35]
- Some vehicles are equipped with electronic route signs at the front, side, or rear, or imitation electronic black background with orange text route signs
- Some vehicles have seats printed with the company logo "CFM"
- Warning signals sound when the doors open and close
- Cabins are equipped with a stop bell
- The company has their own minibus stop signs with detailed route service information similar to franchised buses
- The operation mode is similar to franchised buses, with drivers mainly stopping at designated stops listed on the stop signs, rarely allowing arbitrary stops for boarding and alighting[36]; passengers mostly signal to alight by pressing the bell, rarely by calling out
- Primarily uses Mitsubishi Rosa, with Toyota Coaster and Golden Dragon minibuses in the minority
- Advocates for model diversity and was willing to experiment with special vehicle types[37]
- Has its own garage for vehicle maintenance
- Due to the lack of an LPG filling station near the Whampoa terminus, they have never introduced LPG minibuses[38]
- Student concessions are offered during limited hours on weekdays and are suspended during the summer holidays
- Drivers often record the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each stop
- Broadcasts a warning to be careful of the middle door steps (Golden Dragon)
- Some termini limit the number of passengers boarding (e.g., only 12 passengers were allowed to board at Festival Walk, and 16 passengers for 19-seater minibuses), making it easier for passengers to board at intermediate stops
- Full-time drivers had a monthly salary system and had day-offs during holidays
- Owned a Facebook page and a YouTube channel
Minibus Routes[]
Chit Fai Motors[]
| Former Kowloon Green Minibus Routes Operated by Chit Fai Motors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route no. | Termini | Period of operation |
| 2 | Whampoa Garden ↔ Festival Walk ● | 1998－2020, then taken over by Kellis |
| 2A | Whampoa Garden ↔ Festival Walk ● | 2003－2020, then taken over by Kellis |
| 2M | 2016－2018 | |
| 2S | 2011－2020 | |
| 6 | 1979－2020 | |
| 6A | 1999－2017 | |
| 6C (1st generation) | Whampoa Garden ↺ Tsim Sha Tsui (Hankow Road) | 2008－2009 |
| 6C | 2016－2018 | |
| 6X | 2006－2020 | |
| 6Y | 2011－2020, route not officially announced by Transport Department | |
Ample Corporation Limited[]
| Former Kowloon Green Minibus Routes Operated by Ample Corporation Limited | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route no. | Termini | Period of operation |
| 82 | To Kwa Wan (Kowloon City Road) ↺ Kowloon Hospital | 2007－2008 |
| 82M | Wyler Gardens ↔ Lok Fu Station | 2007－2008 |
Minibus fleet[]
Kowloon 2/6 series used a total of 37minibuses, include 20 of 16-seater minibuses and 17 of 19-seater minibuses. List:
- 6 of TOYOTA Coaster (1 of 2003 5LS, 4 of 2010 6DS and 1 of 2014 6DS)
- 28 of Mitsubishi Rosa (3 of 2006 BE649E, 10 of 2007 BE639G, 2 of 2015 BE641G, 12 of 2016 BE641G and 1 of 2017 BE641G)
- 3 of Golden Dragon XML6701J18 (2017)
| Chit Fai Motor Closed Kowloon Route 2／6 series Before closure | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate No. | Model | Type No.[Remark 3] | Seat | Route Sign Configuration | Remarks | Goings |
| AY3318 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2017 BE641G | 19-Seater Vogelsitze | Lucky Yu EDS[Remark 4] | Equipped with wide front EDS Entered service in December 2017 Plate originally belonged to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter belonging to that set of routes, (2000 413CDi)[Remark 5] and a Toyota Coaster (2000 4th generation)[Remark 6] |
During April and October 2020 parked in Laguna Verde and Festival Walk Because of parked wrongly in November 2020 Then transferred to Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29／806 series at the same month |
| BK987 | 2016 BE641G | Licence Plate belonged to TOYOTA Coaster (3rd Generation) Entered service in November 2016 |
First parked in Container port Then transferred to Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29／806 series in February 2021 then the licence plate was changed as WP871 in December 2021 | |||
| BM7889 | Licence Plate belonged to BE639E Entered service in April 2016 |
Parked in Container port until Last December 2024 | ||||
| BX987 | Licence Plate belonged to TOYOTA Coaster (3rd Generation) Entered service in November 2016 |
First parked in Container port Then transferred to Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29／806 series in February 2021 then the licence plate was changed as WC806 in March 2021 | ||||
| BZ8788 | Parked in Container port during April 2020 and October 2021 Then transferred to Kwok Chung Motor Car New Territories Route 803K in August 2022 | |||||
| CT2289 | Entered service in November 2016 Licence Plate belonged to TOYOTA Coaster (3rd Generation) |
Parked in Container port until April 2023 | ||||
| DB8892 | TOYOTA Coaster | 2014 6DS | 16 High-Adopt seater | Entered service in November 2014 Licence Plate belonged to Mercedes Benz Sprinter (2000 416CDi) [Remark 7] and Mitsubishi Rosa (2002 BE639E) [Remark 8] |
Parked in Container Port until February 2024 | |
| EE1256 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2016 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Entered service in December 2016 Plate originally belonged to a TOYOTA Coaster (3rd Generation) |
First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Kwok Chung Motor Car New Territories Route 803K in November 2022 | |
| EH3717 | Entered service in November 2016 Plate originally belonged to TOYOTA Coaster (3rd Generation) |
Parked in Container Port until Last August 2023 | ||||
| EH8663 | TOYOTA Coaster | 2010 6DS | 16-seater high adopt | Entered service in July 2010 Plate originally belonged to 3rd Generation |
Parked in Container Port until June 2021 | |
| EH8802 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2006 BE649E | Lyodstech EDS[Remark 9] | Entered service in December 2006 Original plate number MR7480 Current plate number originally belomged to Toyota Coaster (3rd Generation) |
Parked in Container Port until June 2021 | |
| FN6595 | Entered service in December 2006 Original plate number MR7157 Current plate number originally belonged to Toyota Coaster (1993 3rd Generation) |
Parked in Container Port until May 2021 | ||||
| FN7751 | 2015 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Lucky Yu EDS[Remark 10] | Entered service in December 2015 Plate originally belonged to Toyota Coaster (1993 3rd Generation) |
First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Kwok Chung Motor Car New Territories Route 803K in February 2023 | |
| FN8945 | TOYOTA Coaster | 2010 6DS | 16-seater high adopt | Entered service in July 2010 plate originally belonged to 1993 3rd Generation |
First parked in Container Port The idled in somewhere until July 2022 | |
| GD582 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2015 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Entered service in December 2015 The first entered service Euro 5Mitsubishi Rosa Green Minibus Plate originally belonged to Toyota Coaster (1994 3rd Generation) |
Parked in container port until August 2023 | |
| GD1201 | 2006 BE649E | 16-seater high adopt | Lyodstech EDS[Remark 11] | Entered service in December 2006 Original plate number MR6637 Current plate number belonged to Toyota Coaster (1994 3rd Generation) [Remark 12] |
Parked in Container port until July 2021 Plate is now applied in Toyota Coaster 2021 7LL of Powerful Resources Technology New Territories 27 series | |
| HU3882 | 2016 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Lucky Yu EDS | Entered service in April 2016 Plate was applied in BE639E |
Parked in Container port until February 2024 | |
| HX2044 | Entered service in November 2016 Plate Originally belonged to Toyota Coaster (1998 4th Generation) |
Parked in Container Port until August 2023 | ||||
| HX4927 | ||||||
| HX6048 | ||||||
| JP8413 | Golden Dragon XML6701J18 | 19-setaer Fainsa | Plate originally belonged to Mitsubishi Rosa (BE639E) | Firat parked in Container Port Then transferred to Shine Bright Services New Territories Route 602 in March 2021 | ||
| JU2793 | Entered service in 16 August 2017 The first entered service minibus that produced from Mainland China Plate originally belonged to Mitsubishi Rosa (BE639E) |
First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Foo Woo Public Light Bus New Territories Route 72/72M in December 2022 | ||||
| JZ5919 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2016 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Entered service in December 2016 Plate originally belonged to Toyota Coaster (1996 3rd Generation) |
First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Red Minibus No. 101 Route and Cheung Tsuen Route in October 2020 then changed the plate number as CX1819 | |
| KG7978 | Golden Dragon XML6701J18 | 19-seater Fainsa | Entered service in 16 August 2017 The First entered service minibus produced from Mainland China Plate Originally belonged to Mitsubishi Rosa (BE639E) |
First parked in Container port The transferred to Shine Bright Services New Territories Route 620 in November 2020 | ||
| KZ2860 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2016 BE641G | 19-seater Vogelsitze | Entered service in October 2016 Plate oeiginally belonged to 2003 BE649E |
First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Kwok Chung Motor Car New Territories Route 803K in September 2022 | |
| KZ9568 | TOYOTA Coaster | 2003 5LS | 16-seater low adopt | Not equipped with Rollsign[Remark 13] | Not provided service One of the LPG minibus in this series Formerly a vehicle of General Elite Hong Kong Island Route 1/1A/2/3/3A Entered service in March 2020 |
Parked in Container port until 2022 retired |
| MT5613 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2007 BE639G | 16-seater Vogelsitze | LyodstechEDS | Formerly a vehicle on Superlong's Hong Kong Island Routes 51 series Was also a formerly vehicle on Capital Star Holding's Hong Kong Island Route 52 Once served on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 8/8X Exchanged with NN4353 (Toyota Coaster - 2007 5DL) |
Parked in Container Port until April 2021 before retirement |
| MT6977 | Formerly a vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 39 series Joined in October 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until September 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MT8031 | Formerly a vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Route 69 Was also a formerly vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 39 series/40 series and Sunning Transportation's Hong Kong Island Routes 58/59 Joined in October 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until April 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MU1974 | Formerly a vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Route 69X Once served on Central Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 54 series/55 and Kit Kee Transport's Hong Kong Island Routes 56/56A during September 2008 and July 2015 Joined in November 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until September 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MU9160 | Formerly a vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Route 69X Joined in November 2019 |
Once parked in Container Port and the stop of Extra Billion Investment's New Territories Route 140M at Tsing Yi Station during April and September 2020 Then idled in somewhere of New Territories until April 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MV1344 | Formerly a vehicle on Sunning Transportation's Hong Kong Island Routes 58/59 series Joined in December 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until Early May 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MX2563 | Originally was a vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 8/8X Was also a formerly Vehicle on Aberdeen Maxicab's Hong Kong Island Routes 39 and Capital Star Holding's Hong Kong Island Route 52 Joined in October 2019 |
First parked in Container Port Then converted to red minibus shortly and parking in one of the car park in New Territories during October 2020 and April 2021 | ||||
| MY6648 | Originally was a vehicle on Sunning Transportation's Hong Kong Island Routes 58/59 series Joined in December 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until May 2021 before retirement | ||||
| MZ8665 | Originally was a vehicle on Capital Star Holding's Hong Kong Island Route 52 Joined in December 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until April 2021 before retirement | ||||
| PN1710 | TOYOTA Coaster | 2010 6DS | 16-seater high adopt | Lucky Yu EDS[Remark 9] | Entered service in November 2010 | First parked in Container Port Then transferred to Kwok Chung Motor Car in December 2021, after that idled in somewhere until 2022 retired |
| PP4896 | Entered service in December 2010 | |||||
| WJ4058 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2007 BE639G | 16-seater Vogelsitze | Lyodstech EDS | Original plate number DX3282[Remark 14] Formerly a vehicle of Aberdeen Maxicab Hong Kong Island 4 series/5 series/Route 35M Was also a formerly vehicle of Kit Kee Transportation Hong Kong Island Route 56/56A and AMS Hong Kong Island 69 series Entered service in October 2019 |
Parked in Container Port until May 2021 retired |
| List of former minibus before Chit Fai Motor Closure | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate No. | Model | Type No. | Seat No. | Retirement/withdrawal date | Whereabouts | Substituted vehicle(s) |
| AY3318[Remark 15] | Toyota Coaster | 2000 4th Generation | 16 | December 2017 | Retired | Mitsubishi Rosa (2017 BE641G) of the same plate |
| BK987 | 3rd Generation | November 2016 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | |||
| BM7889 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE639E | April 2016 | 2016 BE416G of the same plate | ||
| BX987 | ToyotaCoaster | 3rd Generation | November 2016 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| BZ8788 | ||||||
| CG798 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2004 BE649E | January 2019 | Changed as Red minibus, retired and changed the plate number as WB6008 Plate is now applied in 2020 7LL of Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29/806 series |
||
| CN3173[Remark 16] | Toyota Coaster | 5DL | November 2019 | Retired | MU9160 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2007 BE639G) | |
| CT2289 | 3rd Generation | December 2016 | Mitrubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | |||
| DB8892[Remark 17] | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2002 BE639E | August 2014 | Toyota Coaster (2014 6DS) of the same plate | ||
| DC378 | BE639E | January 2019 | ||||
| DC997 | Toyota Coaster | 3rd Generation | December 2016 | Transferred to Aberdeen Maxicab Hong Kong Island 4 series/5 series/Route 35M | ||
| DC3873 | 2nd Generation | 2004 | Retired | Mitsubishi Rosa (2004 BE649E) of the same plate | ||
| Mitsubhsi Rosa | 2004 BE649E | November 2014 | GMI Gemini (2014 1st Generation) of the same plate | |||
| GMI Gemini | 2014 1st Generation | Third session in 2017 | Retired Plate is now applied in Toyota Coaster 2019 7LL of Kellis' Hong Kong Island Route 50 |
|||
| EB6423 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE639E | November 2019 | Retired | ||
| ED2666 | ||||||
| EE1256 | Toyota Coaster | 3rd Generation | December 2016 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| EE5069 | November 2014 | GMI Gemini (2014 1st Generation) of the same plate | ||||
| GMI Gemini | 2014 1st Generation | First session in 2017 | ||||
| EH3717 | Toyota Coaster | 3rd Generation | November 2016 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| EH8663 | July 2010 | 2010 6DS of the same plate | ||||
| EH8802 | December 2006 | MR7480 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2006 BE649E) Then applied original plate number | ||||
| EN5390 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE649E | December 2017 | Retired earlier due to Traffic accidents | ||
| EN8801 | Toyota Coaster | 1990 2nd Generation | 2004 | Retired Plate is now applied in 2020 7LL of Wyman Development New Territories 26/26A |
Mitsubishi Rosa 2004 BE649E Then changed the plate number as WF8175 in 2019 | |
| EV944 | 4th Generation | November 2016 | Retired | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| Mitsubishi Rosa | 2016 BE641G | 19 | March 2020 | Transferred to Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29/806 series | ||
| FG6898 | Toyota Coaster | 1992 2nd Generation | 16 | 2000 | Retired | 2000 4th Generation of the same plate |
| 2000 4th Generation | December 2017 | Retired Plate is now applied in 2020 7LL of Wai Ching Industrial New Territories 29/806 series |
||||
| FN6595 | 1993 3rd Generation | December 2006 | Retired | MR7157 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2006 BE649E) Then applied original plate number | ||
| FN7751 | December 2015 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2015 BE641G) of the same plate | ||||
| FN8945 | July 2010 | 2010 6DSof the same plate | ||||
| GD582 | 1994 3rd Generation | December 2015 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2015 BE641G) of the same plate | |||
| GD5957 | 2008 6DS | March 2020 | Transferred to General Elite Hong Kong Island 28 series | KZ9568 (2003 5LS) The vehicle would not be service | ||
| HR2955 | 1998 3rd Generation | December 2016 | Transferred to Aberdeen Maxicab Hong Kong 4 series/5 series/Route 35M | |||
| HU3882 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE639E | April 2016 | Retired | 2016 BE641G of the same plate | |
| HX2044 | Toyota Coaster | 1998 4th Generation | November 2016 | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| HX4927 | ||||||
| HX6048 | ||||||
| JP8413 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE639E | May 2017 | 2017 Golden Dragon XML6701J18 | ||
| JU2793 | August 2017 | |||||
| JY4913 | Toyota Coaster | 2000 4th Generation | October 2016 | Transferred to Tai Po (Fixed Route) Public Light Bus New Territories 20 series/21 series/Route 22K/23 series | KZ2860 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2016 BE641G) | |
| JZ5919 | 1996 3rd Generation | December 2016 | Retired | Mitsubishi Rosa (2016 BE641G) of the same plate | ||
| KG7978 | Mitsubishi Rosa | BE639E | August 2017 | 2017 Golden Dragon XML6701J18 of the same plate | ||
| KK5324 | 2002 BE639E | 2018 | ||||
| KX1564 | 2003 BE649E | January 2019 | ||||
| KZ2860 | October 2015 | Retired earlier due to Burned into the fire | JY4913 (Toyota Coaster - 2000 4th Generation) | |||
| LD4376[Remark 18] | Toyota Coaster | 2007 5DL | February 2020 | Transferred to General Elite Hong Kong Island 28 series | ||
| LE4742 | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2003 BE649E | October 2019 | Retired | WJ4058 (2007 BE639G) | |
| LH1994 | IVECO Daily | 2008 | Toyota Coaster (2008 6DL) of the same plate | |||
| Toyota Coaster | 2008 6DL | February 2020 | Transferred to General Elite Hong Kong Island 28 series | |||
| LH5054[Remark 19] | 2007 5DL | |||||
| MB1648[Remark 20] | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 2000 416CDi | September 2005 | Retired | KS2484 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2002 BE639E) Then changed the plate number as DB8892 | |
| MB9388[Remark 21] | 2000 413CDi | October 2005 | JV9567 (Toyota Coaster - 2000 4th Generation) Then changed the plate number as AY3318 | |||
| MR908 | Toyota Coaster | 3rd Generation | December 2006 | Transferred to Red Minibus Kwun Tsing Route | 2007 5DL of the same plate Then the plate number changed as LD4376 in 2008 | |
| MR1811[Remark 22] | 1994 3rd Generation | December 2006 | Retired | MR6637 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2006 BE649E) Then the plate number changed as GD1201 | ||
| MR3855 | 3rd Generation | Unknown | ||||
| MY3659[Remark 23] | EN5488 (5DL) Then the plate number changed as CN3173 | |||||
| NM5953[Remark 24] | 2007 5DL | January 2020 | Transferred to Fine Luck Kowloon Route 17M | |||
| NN4353[Remark 25] | Exchanged with MT5613 (Mitsubishi Rosa - 2007 BE639G) that formerly a vehicle of Superlong Hong Island 51 series | |||||
| NR2821[Remark 26] | March 2013 | Transferred to Chew Luen Red Minibus To Mong Route | ||||
| NR4255[Remark 27] | October 2018 | Retired Plate number is now applied to a 2018 7LL on PLB Grand Jeté - Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange Route and Grand Jeté - Chi Lok Fa Yuen Route |
||||
| PN8042 | 2010 6DS | 2011 | Transferred to Kung Mong Route | |||
| WF6536[Remark 28] | Mitsubishi Rosa | 2004 BE649E | October 2019 | Retired | MT8031 (2007 BE639G) | |
| WF6754[Remark 29] | December 2019 | MV1344 (2007 BE639G) | ||||
| WF7591[Remark 30] | October 2019 | MX2563 (2007 BE639G) | ||||
| WF8029[Remark 31] | MT6977 (2007 BE639G) | |||||
| WF8175[Remark 32] | December 2019 | MY6648 (2007 BE639G) | ||||
| WH9435[Remark 33] | 2003 BE649E | MZ8665 (2007 BE639G) | ||||
| WH9893[Remark 34] | November 2019 | MU1974 (2007 BE639G) | ||||
The information may not be complete and accurate, to be updated and modified by those who are willing to do so.
This section was last updated on 1/2025202501
Related incidents[]
- 11 August 2007: Around 5 a.m., several Chit Fai Motors minibus drivers arrived at Whampoa Garden to prepare for work and found 11 minibuses had been wheel-clamped. The contractor argued with the management company, requesting the cancellation of the unpounding fee but to no avail, leading to a strike. By 7 a.m. during the morning rush hour, 39 minibuses temporarily resumed service to assist affected passengers. The Transport Department was notified and sent personnel to mediate. The management company eventually conceded and waived the "clamping fee," and all minibuses resumed normal service around 9 a.m.[39]
- 31 May 2019: Six Chit Fai Motors minibuses were wheel-impounded outside the Whampoa Tak Ting Street minibus terminus, and was understood that the security of Whampoa Garden's management office claimed there were complaints and thus clamped the vehicles in the early hours without notifying Chit Fai Motors. A spokesperson for CFM Management Co., Ltd. stated that the company had not yet paid the clamping fee and that the incident affected morning services[40][41][42]. After negotiations between Chit Fai Motors, the police, the Transport Department, and the management office, the incident was finally resolved on 1 June. [43]
Gallery[]
Remarks[]
- ↑ The first GMB operator in Hong Kong to create an official Facebook page was Perfect Gold Company Limited, on23 May 2012.
- ↑ In the past, the change of minibus operators was rarely mentioned in news reports, except for the case where the license of the Yuen Kay Ming Hung Kei Maxicab Company Limited was revoked due to family disputes leading to poor management.
- ↑ Numbers placed after the model Toyota Coaster (if any) are only used within the transport enthusiasts, others (including the industry) does not use such names.
- ↑ Two of minibuses DB8892 and EH8663 equipped with Rollsign
- ↑ The original plate number of the was JX3935, replaced with MB9388 before retirement.
- ↑ The original plate number of the 4th generation was JV9567 and was originally a vehicle of Hung Kei Route.
- ↑ That 416CDi was changed the plate number as MB1648 before retired
- ↑ That BE639E original plate number KS2484，Formerly vehicle of Red Minibus Yuen Jor Route
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 These minibuses was equipped with Rollsign
- ↑ One of the minibus FN8945 equipped with Rollsign
- ↑ This minibus equipped with Rollsign
- ↑ That 3rd Generation once transferred to Red minibus Lee Mong Route and Mong Kok - On Yam Route in December 2006 then changed the plate number as MR1811
- ↑ This route equipped with Rollsign, then reduce the Rollsign when transferred to Chi Fai Motor in March 2020
- ↑ That plate number was applied in 1993 3rd Generation of Kit Kee Transportation Hong Kong Island Route 56/56A, then the plate number is now applied in 7DL of the same model under Aberdeen Maxicab Hong Kong Island 4 series/Route 35M in October 2019
- ↑ Original plate number JV9567
- ↑ Original plate number EN5488
- ↑ Original plate number KS2484
- ↑ Original plate number MR908, plate was applied in 3rd Generation, plate number changed in 2008
- ↑ Original playe number MY2826, plate number changed in 2008.
- ↑ Original playe number DB8892, platenumber is now applied in Toyota Coaster (2014 6DS).
- ↑ Original plate number AY3318 and JX3935
- ↑ Original plate number GD1201
- ↑ Original plate number CN3173, plate number changed in August 2007.
- ↑ Original playe number MZ5815, plate number changed in 2008.
- ↑ Original plate number MZ5285, plate number changed in 2008.
- ↑ Original plate number LD4376, plate number chanhed in 2008.
- ↑ Original plate number LH5054, plate number changed in 2008.
- ↑ Original plate number DB3711, plate number changed in the third session of 2019
- ↑ Original plate number AF2683, plate number changed in the second session of 2019.
- ↑ Original plate number DB1193, plate number changed in the third session of 2019.
- ↑ Original plate number DC3393, plate number changed in the third session of 2019.
- ↑ Original plate number EN8801, plate number changed in the second session of 2019.
- ↑ Original plate number KY5338, plate number changed in the third session of 2019
- ↑ Original plate number KX8865, plate number changed in the third session of 2019.
Related articles[]
- Tsuen Wan 86
- Wai Ching Industrial
References[]
- ↑ "黃埔花園有小巴罷駛" (Minibus strike at Whampoa Garden), Epoch Times, 11 August 2007.
- ↑ This may refer to vehicle owner Lee Shui, who was also involved in Chit Fai's operations in Tsuen Wan District, as seen in the article "地鐵今日起通至尖沙咀 小巴生意面臨考驗" (MTR Opens to Tsim Sha Tsui Today; Minibus Business Faces Challenges), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 16 December 1979.
- ↑ 九龍綠小82及82M即將終止服務 Services of Kowloon Green Minibus Routes 82 and 82M soon to be terminated, hkitalk.net
- ↑ "小巴營辦商自發提供長者乘車優惠" (Minibus Operator Offers Voluntary Elderly Fare Concessions), ATV, 19 July 2013.
- ↑ "CFM Management Company Limited" Facebook Post, 3 February 2016.
- ↑ "梁美芬稱成功爭取黃埔小巴「2元優惠」 小巴商嘆過往獨承壓力：說「成功爭取」使人失笑" (Priscilla Leung Claims Credit for Securing Whampoa Minibus '2 HKD Concession'; Minibus Operator Says It Bore the Pressure Alone), Ming Pao, 23 February 2016.
- ↑ :"黃埔綠Van客量勁跌20%" (Passenger volume of Whampoa GMB routes plummeted by 20%), Oriental Daily, 25 October 2016.
- ↑ "觀塘延線開通拖累小巴客量急跌 擬重組路線救亡遭拒" (Kwun Tong Line extension slashes GMB passenger volumes, route reorganisation proposal rejected), Apple Daily, August 31, 2017.
- ↑ Chit Fai Motors Company Limited, "運輸署無限拖延路線重組計劃，妄顧市民交通需要 挑動區內同業矛盾，破壞同業互信，影響市民使用服務" (Transport Department’s Endless Delay in Route Reorganization Plan Disregards Public Transport Needs, Exacerbates Industry Conflicts, and Affects Service Usage) [Facebook post], 27 August 2017.
- ↑ Legislative Council Panel on Transport, "Legislative Council Complaints Division on Complaints Regarding Illegal (Non-franchised) Buses", 25 December 2001. (Chinese only)
- ↑ "專巴公司控運輸署違承諾" (GMB company accuses Transport Department of breaching promise), Apple Daily, 25 July 2002.
- ↑ "Alternative Fuel Minibus Trial Program Report", Alternative Fuel Minibus Trial Program Monitoring Committee, June 2001.
- ↑ "Submission of Chit Fai Motors Company Limited", Legislative Council Committee on the the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Bill, 2 June 2010.
- ↑ 環保車大炮 之 嗎咯更熱鳥 (泰文).mpg, YouTube (Chinese).
- ↑ 〈新聞故事——更環保節能 混能小巴下周呱呱「落地」 (News Story - More environmentally-friendly hybrid minibuses coming next week), Headline Daily, 8 November 2013.
- ↑ "運輸署年底檢討營運 全港19座小巴僅佔15%" (Transport Department to review operations by year-end, 19-seater minibuses only 15% of fleet), am730, 26 September 2018.
- ↑ Chit Fai Transport Limited, "安全係我哋首要嘅任務" (Safety is Our Top Priority) [Facebook Post], 22 February 2019.
- ↑ CFM Management Company Limited, "疫情持續，虧損惡化，只好說句「多謝支持，再見」 (Persisting pandemic and worsening losses - Thank you for supporting and goodbye), Facebook post, 9 April 2020.
- ↑ Whampaper, "2/2A及6/6X小巴服務終止 (Termination of 2/2A and 6/6X minibus services)", Facebook post, 9 April 2020.
- ↑ Helena Wong, "就2、2A、6、6X專線小巴於明天終止服務的事宜 (Regarding the termination of the 2, 2A, 6, and 6X minibus services tomorrow)", Facebook post, 9 April 2020.
- ↑ "黃埔專線小巴2及2A線將由新營辦商繼續營運 (Whampoa minibus routes 2 and 2A will continue to be operated by a new operator)", 881903.com, 10 April 2020.
- ↑ "【武漢肺炎】離職綠van司機重返黃埔站頭見證 小巴迷揮手道別尾班車 ([COVID-19] Retired green minibus drivers return to Whampoa terminal to witness last minibus)", Apple Daily, 12 April 2020.
- ↑ "金匙接辦小巴2及2A號線首日 兩線開9輛車吸納16名舊公司司機 (12:55) (Kellis takes over minibus routes 2 and 2A on the first day, with 9 vehicles absorbing 16 former company drivers (12:55))", Ming Pao, 12 April 2020.
- ↑ ""小小薯の偉大旅程見證者生涯" Facebook page post", 3 May 2020.
- ↑ "網民熱話：盡責司機提落車 雙語提示獲激讚" (Netizens’ Hot Topic: Responsible driver reminds passengers to alight, bilingual tips praised), Oriental Daily, 4 April 2015.
- ↑ 4條黃埔專線小巴線停辦 約70人飯碗不保 (4 Whampoa GMB routes cease operations, about 70 unemployed), YouTube
- ↑ "Hung Hom & To Kwa Wan Transport" Facebook page post, 9 April 2020.
- ↑ 【再見捷輝】阿葆第一次又係最後一次嘅小巴Tour | 直擊執笠都會掛念嘅黃埔好小巴, YouTube
- ↑ "捷輝小巴最後一日營運 車頭貼上「多謝乘客」 常客不捨：好似見證送走一位好朋友" (Chit Fai Minibus’ Last Day of Operation: “Thank You” sticker on the front, regulars reluctant: like saying goodbye to a good friend), YouTube
- ↑ "HK Bus Channel" Facebook Page Post, 11 April 2020.
- ↑ “Walking with TK” Facebook Page Post, 11 April 2020.
- ↑ 捷輝正式結束黃埔綠小服務 (Chit Fai Officially Ends Whampoa GMB Service), hkitalk.net.
- ↑ 【最好老細?】 【捷輝汽車上月執笠 員工仲讚公司全港最好】 ([Best Boss?] [Chit Fai Motors Closed Last Month, Employees Still Praise the Company as the Best in Hong Kong]), i-Cable News, 1 May 2020.
- ↑ 清盤黃埔小巴董事應邀出席區議會 斥政府做大港鐵、迫令小巴消失 (Director of liquidated Whampoa GMB operator invited to District Council meeting, criticises Government for favouring MTR and forcing minibuses to disappear), InMedia, 14 May 2020.
- ↑ "CFM Management Co., Ltd." Facebook Page Post, 20 January 2017.
- ↑ Similar practices are followed by operators of Route 901 on Lantau Island, which only stops at designated stops and nowhere else.
- ↑ "CFM Management Co., Ltd." Facebook Page Post, 27 February 2017.
- ↑ In fact, other operators such as Yuk Tin, Hop Fat Public Light Bus, and Asia Brighter have also never introduced LPG minibuses.
- ↑ "不滿避風泊路邊被鎖車 黃埔綠巴罷駛" (Dissatisfied with being clamped while parked as typhoon measures, Whampoa GMB drivers on strike), Sun Post, 12 August 2007.
- ↑ "【鎖車黑洞】黃埔花園鎖六小巴 站頭職員暫未付解鎖費：已好守法 ([Impounding Black Hole] Six minibuses impounded at Whampoa Garden, terminus staff yet to pay unpounding Fee: Already very law-abiding), HK01, 31 May 2019.
- ↑ "CFM Management Co., Ltd." Facebook Page Post, 31 May 2019.
- ↑ "【黃埔鎖車黑洞】佔領私家路？綠VAN拒交錢解鎖 商會：搞大佢囉" ([Whampoa Impounding Black Hole] Occupying Private Road? GMB operator refuses to pay unpounding fee, minibus trade association: Make a big deal out of it), HK01, 31 May 2019.
- ↑ "【黃埔鎖車黑洞】磋商成功 六小巴凌晨神秘解鎖 三部仍違泊 [Whampoa Impounding Black Hole] Successful negotiation leads to 6 minibuses mysteriously unpounded in the early morning, 3 sill illegally parked]", HK01, 1 June 2019.
External links[]
- CFM Management Co., Ltd. Website (inactive)
- CFM Management Co., Ltd. YouTube Channel
- CFM Management Co., Ltd. Facebook Page (inactive)
CFM, Chit Fai, Chit Fai Motors Ltd., CFM and CFM Management