Promote Green Transformation for a Sustainable Future




The government has recently published the "Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis”. 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.


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