Opinion | Accelerate green transformation of transportation
The Hong Kong SAR government submitted the "Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis" to the Legislative Council yesterday (Dec. 10). The proposal suggests subsidizing bus operators to purchase 600 single-deck or double-deck electric buses before 2029 and supporting the taxi industry to acquire 3,000 electric taxis, along with increasing the number of charging stations. This marks a significant step for Hong Kong in its green transportation transformation.
With the exacerbation of global climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Hong Kong, the urgency of accelerating the transition to green energy is becoming more apparent. Transportation is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions in Hong Kong, accounting for 20% of the total emissions, with buses and taxis collectively contributing 4%. The unveiling of the roadmap for buses and taxis by the SAR Government yesterday not only aligns with the vision laid out in the Policy Address but also constitutes a crucial part of Hong Kong's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which is commendable.
Some critics believe that the roadmap is somewhat "conservative." Currently, there are approximately 6,000 franchised buses in Hong Kong, and in five years, subsidizing electric buses will only increase to 600, accounting for one-tenth of the total bus fleet. Presently, there are around 18,000 taxis in Hong Kong, and in five years, subsidizing electric taxis will only make up about one-sixth of the total taxi fleet. In comparison, for every ten private cars registered in Hong Kong, 6 to 7 are electric vehicles. Electric private cars already make up 11% of the total private car population, and this proportion is expected to rise significantly in five years. In other words, the pace of electrification for buses and taxis as public transportation lags behind the adoption rate of electric private cars.
Looking at Shenzhen, by the end of 2021, all of the approximately 16,000 public buses running on over 900 routes were electric vehicles. As a result, Shenzhen became the first major city in the world to complete a green transformation.
In terms of cost, electric vehicles are currently more expensive than traditional buses and taxis. To encourage operators to switch to electric vehicles, the government is implementing incentive measures. This month, eligible taxi owners and bus operators will receive invitations to participate in the program, with each electric bus receiving subsidies ranging from HK$400,000 to 800,000, and each taxi receiving HK$45,000 in subsidies. Encouragement is necessary, but under consecutive budget deficits, caution should be exercised, and spending wisely when needed.
Also, cost is just one consideration for operators in deciding whether to transition to electric vehicles. The availability of charging infrastructure and other supportive measures is equally crucial. While the SAR government accelerates the provision of charging stations, it can also take other actions such as enhancing electric vehicle-friendly road environments, offering tax incentives, and increasing incentives for operators to switch to electric vehicles.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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