Living in Hong Kong

For the first time, Hong Kong tried to join the global bandwagon as the world celebrated World Car-Free day last 22nd of September. But getting off the wagon seems hard for car owners in the city not used to walking or taking public transport. You can only wish to take a photo same as shown.

20,361 cars used the three cross-harbour tunnels during morning peak hour between 7am and 10am yesterday, according to car counters. A paltry 100 car less despite 18,000 commuters from over 70 groups pledged support. Problem is maybe most of these commuters actually use subways and buses even when it's not Car-free day.

High-profile endorsements from senior government officials proved ineffective as car counters didn't see much difference in number of cars hitting the road on that day compared to non-Car-Free Days. I believe if only local celebrities were on hand to show support by getting off their cars and hitting the streets (say, from home to recording studio to a shooting set), people would love to join them. Alas, paparazzi problem in Hong Kong still remains unchecked so it was a better idea that these local celebrities safely stay in cars. Chief Executive Donald Tsang was even mobbed by reporters on every step he takes which I think is a bit annoying. So making every day a car-free day for him is not possible. "When I walked from Government House [to the Central Government Offices], about 50 media people were after me", he admits.

I have to commend Education chief Michael Suen Ming-yeung who took a bus to work and environment minister Edward Yau Tang-wah who walked about 20 minutes to an MTR station for a train to Central. Hong Kong Observatory assistant director Leung Wing-mo jogged from his Lai Chi Kok home to his office in Tsim Sha Tsui, his morning routine for more than two years. The best model one could ever present. These efforts seem little, but hopefully they speak volumes.

What if transport groups cooperated and offered discounts on selected bus and MTR routes? Too bad fare hikes have been pending at Transport Department so giving concessions is a gargantuan task to fulfill.

I also believe most of Hong Kong people are already enjoying car-free years as more than 9 of 10 locals take public transport (buses, trams, mini-buses, MTR, Star Ferry, you name it).

It's a shame that some government officials don't know that taxis are still cars and by taking them on Car-Free Day, it's still like they are driving their own cars.

Typhoon visits like the last one by Koppu effectively grounded cars to their garage. While we won't hope for a typhoon (silently we smile when typhoon signal #8 is hoisted, right?) to visit and wreck properties, use of cars during these incidents is put to a minimum.

At the end of the day, car dealers in Gloucester Road in Wan Chai can breathe a sigh of relief.

Photo credit: Frank's Photography