Updated on Mar 01, 2008 – scmp
I would like to make a complaint about buses in Repulse Bay.
I was walking along the promenade at Repulse Bay at midday and I found myself squinting for the entire stretch to protect my eyes from the dust. I also had to hold my breath whenever one of those giant tourist coaches roared past every 15 seconds. I simply do not understand why tourists can’t be encouraged to use public transport in Hong Kong.
There are several buses that stop directly above the beach. They do not linger and they are frequent and comfortable. By contrast, the typical tourist coach is huge, extremely noisy and causes traffic congestion. Instead of moving on, they wait for their passengers – a row of unsightly vehicles, spoiling the backdrop to one of the last accessible public beaches in Hong Kong.
My stroll was further interrupted by having to politely signal (the key-twist hand motion) to two minibuses parked on the beach roadside to switch off their idling engines. Not only were these two buses empty apart from the resting driver, but the weather was breezy and it was a pleasant 17 degrees Celsius.
People come to a beach to be with nature, to listen to the birds and the waves, not to chugging engines. There are too many double-decker buses routed along the south side. Apart from rush hours and weekends, these huge vehicles are practically empty and cause problems, because of roadworks and narrow, winding roads. There should only be minibuses on the Stanley to Central route. They are suitable for these kinds of roads and faster.
At peak times, if need be, the bus firms can increase their frequency. The only large vehicles on that road should be school buses. These traffic measures have to be implemented if this area is remain a serene getaway destination from urban Hong Kong.
The south side and its public paths and beaches are very special, which, as Hongkongers, we should protect so this area can be enjoyed by us and future generations.
Sofie Shaw, Chung Hom Kok