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Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung takes a ride in a self-driving car in Nanshan, Shenzhen, in July 2023. Photo: Information Services Department
OpinionLetters

Letters | Should Hong Kong go down self-driving car lane?

  • Readers discuss the government’s efforts to promote the development of self-driving cars in Hong Kong, and a transport subsidy scheme
Hong Kong budget 2024-25
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Letters
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Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung is very keen on “self-driving” cars in Hong Kong and is rolling out all sorts of trials. A new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles apparently came into effect on March 2.

At this juncture it is worth asking why Hong Kong should have or needs to have self-driving cars. What benefit do they bring? Will Hong Kong drivers be asked if they want to share our roads with driverless cars?

Our Hong Kong road infrastructure is unique; we have a wonderful road system catering to high volumes of traffic and this system works well. The only people who may want to buy driverless cars are those who can afford them and, by and large, they are the people who have professional drivers to shuttle them about.

Driverless cars are quite simply not suited to Hong Kong road conditions. Let’s spend what’s left in the HK$1 billion Smart Traffic Fund on something more useful, please.

Karl Hurst, Repulse Bay

Refine the HK$2 transport scheme

The recent deliberation on revising the HK$2 transport fare for seniors illuminates the intricate balance between fiscal sustainability and social support. While I concur with the former welfare chief’s suggestion that the government could look into a fare raise or proportional discount, there’s a critical aspect to consider: rush hour usage by the elderly.

Given Hong Kong’s deficit and ageing population, a data-driven review of MTR usage patterns is essential. If seniors are travelling during peak hours for work, they should contribute equitably to the system. Conversely, if they are not working, it would be reasonable to encourage off-peak travel to ease congestion.

Let’s refine the HK$2 scheme to reflect both fairness and financial prudence, ensuring it remains viable for those who truly need it.

Simon Wang, Kowloon Tong

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