30th January 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong’s new rule mandating seat belts on buses has sparked a fresh row over public transport safety, with veteran trade unionist and former legislator Chan Yuen-han arguing the policy is half‑measures without bigger changes. Writing on Monday, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions adviser said that if safety is the guiding principle, the city should eliminate standing room on buses and even study retiring double‑deckers altogether. Citing the deadly Tai Po Road crash, she said the tragedy highlights concerns that Hong Kong may not be suited to double‑deck buses, a legacy strongly associated with Britain’s colonial era.
Chan urged the government to “take more time to think” before pressing ahead, likening the situation to the scrapped municipal rubbish‑charging scheme, which she criticised as disruptive and poorly explained. Her comments come after Chief Executive John Lee framed the new seat belt requirement, which took effect on 25th January, as a targeted safeguard recommended by an independent inquiry following the 2018 Tai Po disaster.
Supporters of the iconic vehicles note their enduring popularity with visitors, particularly mainland tourists who favour double‑deckers for photo‑worthy city views. Guangzhou, too, runs double‑deck sightseeing services for travellers touring its landmarks. Yet Chan insists that genuine safety logic demands consistency: if belts are compulsory for seated passengers, standing capacity should be removed to avoid a two‑tier approach that leaves some riders less protected.