Hong Kong's Transport Department has officially announced the approval for two red minibus routes to transition to green special minibus operations as part of its 'Red to Green' initiative. The shift aims to boost the quality of service provided by minibus operators as well as to implement more effective regulatory measures.
The routes undergoing this transformation are as follows: from Siu Mau Ping (Hiu Kwan Street) to Jordan (North Sea Street) and from Yuen Long (Jun Luan) to Yuen Long Station (Long Ming Street), which will serve as circular lines. These routes are projected to begin operation in March 2024, according to the department.
The Hong Kong Transport Department has reiterated its commitment to improving public transport services by encouraging red minibuses to convert to green special minibus operations. A spokesperson stated, "The government's consistent policy is to encourage red minibuses to operate as green special minibuses to maintain service quality and more effective regulation." This reflects a broader trend toward enhancing public transport standards across the region.
During the application period for this transition, the Transport Department received two applications from operators eager to participate. The assessment process included evaluations of both operators' compliance with licensing and operational standards, which dictate aspects such as hiring qualified drivers, ensuring operational oversight, and adhering to fare regulations, all of which must receive the department's approval.
Upon meeting these requisite conditions, the Transport Department formally granted approval to the operators, enabling them to begin preparations for the transition. These preparations include establishing detailed service plans, acquiring signage for terminals and intermediate stops, and upgrading the vehicles to reflect the new green color designation.
Interestingly, when the 'Red to Green' scheme was first introduced last August, the response from the industry was somewhat tepid. Only two applications were received during the designated period, indicating potential apprehension or resistance among minibus operators to shift from established practices to new frameworks.
Nevertheless, the success of these two routes will likely serve as a pivotal example for the future of this initiative. The Transport Department has expressed its intention to observe the implementation and feedback collected from these newly converted routes to inform its strategy moving forward.
With the anticipated launch date approaching, operators are quickly making necessary adjustments, including hiring new drivers under contractual agreements and ensuring compliance with new operational demands. The introduction of the green minibuses aims not only to modernize the fleet services but also to facilitate participation in government subsidy programs aimed at easing the financial burden on commuters.
The industry's response to upcoming changes will be closely monitored to ascertain the feasibility and desirability of the expanded 'Red to Green' initiative. Should these two lines prove successful, it may pave the way for additional routes to follow suit.
This move highlights the government's proactive approach to public transport reform, emphasizing both improved service delivery and stringent oversight. The green special minibuses are expected to meet community needs more effectively, promising to uphold safety, punctuality, and customer satisfaction—key metrics for any urban transport system.