Face Off: Should Hong Kong phase out minibuses as commuters opt for alternate transport?

As Hong Kong faces deterioration in air quality caused by the transport system, there have been calls to phase out the city’s minibuses. Some propose embracing alternative modes of transport to foster a more sustainable, efficiently integrated transport system.

To meet the evolving needs of commuters, efficiency and sustainability are critical to a good transit network. Hong Kong minibuses have a passenger capacity of 19, which is relatively small compared to single and double-decker buses or the MTR.

In addition, minibuses have a lower status than trams in the tourism industry. This makes it rather difficult to sustain without governmental aid in the long run.

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With minibuses no longer on the road, expanded rail and franchised bus networks will serve as spacious and eco-friendly alternatives as more of the city’s buses transition to hydrogen fuel cells. Hence, Hong Kong will optimise transport resources and reduce traffic.

Central to a well-functioning transport system is integration and connectivity. Minibuses in Hong Kong often operate independently, lacking coordination with local buses and the MTR. Phasing out minibuses would allow for more seamless transitions between local buses and the MTR. The city’s transport would be more synchronised and interconnected.

Furthermore, road safety is essential when discussing minibuses, as they have long been associated with dangerous driving. Thus, taking them off the streets will increase Hong Kong’s overall road safety, reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the well-being of commuters and pedestrians.

Minibuses are slightly more than one-half of a bus, yet a single-decker bus has a passenger capacity of more than two minibuses. Minibuses often travel on narrow roads, which could be used for cycling lanes or pedestrian-friendly areas.

Finally, technological advancements provide an opportunity to reimagine transport in Hong Kong. Phasing out minibuses opens space for integrating emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles or ride-sharing services, which offer flexible and on-demand solutions.

Embracing these advancements would position Hong Kong as a leader in smartly designed and sustainable transport.

Affordable, convenient, and efficient, minibuses have become a common sight in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Throughout the years, as Hong Kong’s culture rapidly changed, its iconic minibus has maintained the same appearance: a medium-sized vehicle with a flat front.

Their distinct, unchanging red and green tops have come to symbolise stability amid the city’s ever-changing environment, serving as a nostalgic reminder of an “old Hong Kong” to locals. Nevertheless, with the emergence of Hong Kong’s MTR railway and bus franchises, the once-essential network of minibuses is beginning to fade.

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Yet, in this transition, a part of Hong Kong’s historical quality disappears with it. Its humble beginnings have not been forgotten in the hearts of locals. These minibuses not only carry millions of passengers but also carry a historical legacy of the development of Hong Kong’s transport system and reflect the city’s way of life. Thus, retaining its operations goes beyond financial considerations; it is also about protecting the memory of Hong Kong’s cultural identity.

Eliminating minibuses also eliminates an accessible method of transport. While railways and double-decker buses struggle to navigate Hong Kong’s narrow, hilly terrains, the size and agility of minibuses enable them to navigate challenging routes efficiently. They play a crucial role in connecting remote communities across the city.

Phasing out minibuses also trades Hong Kong’s individuality for a culture of uniformity. As commuters continuously opt for alternate, more convenient transport methods, they disregard the unique feature of minibuses: an affordable mode of transport controlled by individual drivers rather than franchises.

There are many ways to sustain minibus operations as part of the city’s heritage. The same support towards other transport landmarks, such as the Peak Tram and Star Ferry, should also be extended to minibuses. Efforts should be taken to provide financial subsidies to struggling drivers.

The most crucial solution lies in shifting the minds of both the public and the government. Far too often, we fail to appreciate historical significance and cultural worth. It is essential to advocate for minibuses to conserve a necessary part of Hong Kong’s heritage.