The Hong Kong government unveiled its 2025 budget allocation, which includes significant investments aimed at transitioning to greener public transportation options, particularly focusing on electric buses. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced this initiative as part of the "Green Transformation Roadmap for Public Buses and Taxis," emphasizing the government’s commitment to sustainable development.
Under the new budget, allocated funds from the New Energy Transport Fund total HK$470 million, earmarked to help franchised bus operators purchase around 600 electric buses. This move signals Hong Kong's shift toward environmentally friendly transportation, aiming to cut down on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Alongside the commitment for electric buses, the government is also allocating HK$135 million to the taxi industry to facilitate the acquisition of 3,000 electric taxis. These efforts are part of broader strategies to promote electric vehicle usage across the city, where there are currently over 100,000 electric vehicles operating, marking eightfold growth over the last five years.
Chan revealed plans to introduce an additional HK$300 million subsidy scheme later this year to support the deployment of more electric charging stations across the city. The goal is ambitious: by 2030, the city aims to install 3,000 fast charging stations to accommodate up to 160,000 electric vehicles, facilitating the growing demand for electric transport.
To bolster waste reduction and recycling efforts, the budget also includes HK$180 million for smart waste recycling bins and other facilities to improve residential collection systems. These measures are part of the government's strategy to reduce waste at the source and improve waste sorting efficiency.
The city is nearing the operational launch of its first urban solid waste-to-energy facility, named "I·PARK1," which is expected to commence operations this year. A second facility, "I·PARK2," is already under tender, promising to handle 6,000 tons of urban solid waste daily, moving Hong Kong closer to its goal of zero waste disposal.
Further, efforts to advance the Smart Green Collective Transport System revealed last year are continuing. With the aim to streamline and innovate public transport systems, the government is pushing for tenders on various related projects scheduled for later this year and next.
These financial initiatives are also paralleled by efforts to promote sustainability within agriculture and fisheries. The government is rolling out the "Sustainable Fisheries and Agriculture Development Blueprint," which includes establishing the city’s first multi-story modern eco-friendly livestock farm, and is expected to issue the first fishing farm licenses by mid-year.
These comprehensive measures reflect the Hong Kong government's serious commitment to addressing climate challenges through sustainable urban development and transportation policies. The infusion of funds to transition taxis and buses to electric alternatives aims not only to meet environmental goals but also to convince residents to embrace electric vehicles as part of their daily lives.
With these strategic plans outlined, stakeholders from various sectors, including public transport operators and environmental groups, are hopeful about the prospects of greener transport solutions becoming the norm rather than the exception. These developments signal broader trends and indicate how urban planning and policy-making are increasingly prioritizing sustainability at their core.