Transport minister Lam Sai-hung on Saturday said the government has handled public transport fare-hikes cautiously, in order to minimise the impact on the public and make sure operators are financially sustainable.

His comments came as bus fares are set to go up by as much as 7 percent from June 18.

Speaking on a radio programme, Lam said bus operators proposed the fare-hike last year during the fifth wave of Covid, with fewer passengers using bus services.

But he said the government has taken into account updated data on passenger numbers when considering the fare-hike.

"As we are along the path of normalcy, the operating environment of bus companies and other public transport operators has yet to be fully stabilised," he said.

"So we believe that there may be relatively more applications from such operators for fare increases, but certainly the government will play its role as gatekeeper."

Lam added that the government is working with bus operators to develop non-fare revenue, making operations more financially sustainable.