Latest news with #Mable Chan
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong government to introduce stricter fitness checks for commercial drivers
A government proposal to tighten the physical fitness requirements for commercial vehicle drivers in Hong Kong will be introduced to the legislature no later than the first quarter of next year, according to the city's transport minister. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Saturday that physical fitness checks could include tests for hearing and screening for conditions such as dementia, as well as stricter eye examinations. Chan's remarks follow renewed calls for stricter health checks for older drivers after a taxi, driven by an 80-year-old, hit and killed a Filipino tourist on Tuesday. The government submitted recommendations to the Legislative Council in May 2023, proposing that commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 or above should submit fitness certification annually to renew their driving licences, but the proposal was delayed. 'After consulting the Legislative Council, our work has never stopped,' Chan said, adding that authorities had met with the different sectors to gather their opinions on the government's proposal. 'We are entering the final stage, but there are a lot of detailed areas that we hope we could streamline further,' she said. 'We really hope that we can submit the proposal no later than the first quarter of next year, but if we can speed up the process, we would communicate with the legislature to see if we can legislate the proposal earlier, so our preparation work could be more solid.' A source said the original proposal was delayed due to opposition from the taxi industry, which is also suffering from a manpower shortage, with few young people expressing interest in joining the profession.
South China Morning Post
31-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's KMB in ‘shock' move to use open-top double-deckers on tourist route
Hong Kong's KMB will use open-top double-deckers on its sightseeing route, but the fare will be doubled as the firm eyes opportunities brought by a rising number of tourists. The city's largest bus franchised operator announced on Thursday that renovated open-topped double-deckers would be used for its HK1 sightseeing route in Kowloon, while its fares would rise to HK$40 (US$5.13) per ride from HK$20. The arrangements take effect from Sunday. 'We hope [KMB] could help bring tourists to eateries, mega-events, sports events, exhibitions and attractions [with the service],' Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said. The circular route, which was launched last September, starts and ends at Tsim Sha Tsui pier and covers tourist hotspots, including West Kowloon Cultural District, Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City. KMB managing director Roger Lee Chak-cheong said open-topped buses were being used to enhance the 'shock' that double-deckers brought to tourists.
