Friends of the Earth (HK) comments on the Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis: Promote Green Transformation for a Sustainable Future
Friends of the Earth (HK)
comments on the
Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis
Promote
Green Transformation for a Sustainable Future
(Hong
Kong, 16 December 2024) The government published the "Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and
Taxis”today. Friends of the Earth (HK)welcomes plans to subsidise franchised bus operators and taxi associations in
the purchase of 600 e-buses and 3,000 e-taxis. We strongly agree with the need
to push public transportation towards low-carbon and zero-emissions.
Friends of
the Earth (HK) makes the following recommendations in enabling Hong Kong to realise
its green and sustainable transport development goals:
1.Set clear goals and timelines: In following the "Hong Kong Roadmap on
Popularisation of Electric Vehicles” published in 2021, the government should
set comprehensive and clear goals and timelines for green transformation of all
public transport and commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, minibuses, taxis,
trucks, etc.); it should review electric and hydrogen car policies and
strategies every three years, taking into account of technological advances, to
promote green transportation development in Hong Kong effectively.
2.Strengthen new energy infrastructure: The government should build up charging and hydrogen
infrastructure, specifically adding fast charging and hydrogen fueling stations
in transport hubs, to maximise uptime and improve feasibility of new energy
vehicles. Moreover, the government should optimise land planning to ensure
relevant infrastructure is distributed properly across Hong Kong and increase
funding for the Green Tech Fund and the Innovation and Technology Fund to support the implementation of related projects.
3.Diversify financial support: The government should use a diverse range of
policies, including purchase subsidies, tax exemptions, and loan support, to
reduce capital expenditure. It should also promote development by supporting
local universities and research institutions in new energy innovations through
a technology fund.
4.Promote stakeholder collaboration: Collaboration is critical to the green transport
transformation. The government should work closely with bus companies, taxi
associations, and other industry stakeholders to set pragmatic policies and
provide targeted support. It should attract new energy vehicle manufacturers to
the Hong Kong market to promote competition and reduce costs. The government
can encourage private capital through public-private partnerships in
facilitating new energy infrastructure development.
5.Improve training and publicity: The government enhance industry and public support
for green transport through better education and outreach. For drivers and
technicians, the government should provide training on new energy vehicle
operation and maintenanceto ensure they can adapt to the new
technologies. For the general public, the government should promote the
benefits of green transport through public advertising, social media, and
community activity, and regularly provide update to enhance transparency.
6.Reference mainland successes: The government should refer to successful experience
from the mainland, including the planning of charging networks, choice of
vehicle technology, and government support. It should also strengthen
cooperation on new energy innovations, industrial development, market development,
talent training, and such to promote new energy vehicles.
7.Implement producer responsibility: The policy to promote electric vehicles (EVs) will
create an influx of EV batteries, bringing in new environmental and resource
management challenges. The government must extend producer responsibility and
require EV manufacturers and importers to manage the reuse, recycling, and
proper disposal of batteries to ensure a circular economy.
The roadmap will
be an important step towards sustainable development in Hong Kong. We believe
the government will listen to opinions of all sectors of society and take
pragmatic measures to promote a low-carbon, smart, and livable future for the
city.