Life’s a gas as Hong Kong hydrogen-powered double-decker bus hits streets for maiden trip
- Operator Citybus says hydrogen-fuelled vehicle is first of at least five to go into service this year
- Company says it wants zero emissions fleet by 2045, five years before government’s carbon-neutral city deadline
Hundreds of bus fans queued to board Hong Kong’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus that went into service on Sunday, the initial vehicle of what operator Citybus said would be a zero-emission fleet by 2045.
Despite a chill in the air, the enthusiasts started to line up as early as 3am on Muk On Street in Kai Tak to watch the HK$8 million (US$1.02 million) bus enter into service at 11am.
More than a hundred people, equipped with cameras and placards, secured places for the first run along route 20, which goes through Kowloon City, Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po.
Ken Lai, 18, was the first in the queue to board the bus in Kai Tak with friend Daniel Cheng, 14.
“I started lining up at 3am this morning, and I brought along some snacks to eat while waiting,” Lai said. “I am most excited for the bus to stop by the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market, a historical place, to juxtapose with the new technology of this bus.”
The two dashed up to the top deck when the bus doors opened and managed to grab a coveted front row seat, which Lai said offered the best view.