Bigger bus seats and quicker journeys to ease strain for Hong Kong commuters

Report on transport strategy also calls for more bus-only lanes and lower threshold for fare rebates

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Buses are the only realistic option for people in remote areas of the New Territories. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 8:07pm, 7 Jun 2017Updated: 12:03am, 8 Jun 2017

Long-haul bus services with guaranteed bigger seats and fewer stops could give commuters in the remote New Territories a much-needed alternative to packed trains and buses.

Other recommendations in a government study on the city’s public transport strategy included introducing more priority lanes to help buses beat traffic, and lowering the threshold for which bus operators have to give out fare rebates.

The two-and-a-half-year study into commuting habits revealed that 90 per cent – or 12.6 million – of daily trips in 2016 were made by public transport.

Passengers use the Light Rail service in Tuen Mun. Photo: May Tse

Though the government acknowledges that railways form the backbone of public transport, one-third of journeys were provided by franchised buses.

Demand for long-haul bus routes is particularly strong in rural areas far away from railway stations.

Opinions collected from passengers during the study indicated that such services should provide “greater comfort” – wider, guaranteed seats with no standing space – as well as Wi-fi connection and charging docks for electronic gadgets.

The routes should also have fewer stops to speed up the journey.