SCMP
I think minibus designs should be changed to make them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Also, I think reintroducing buses without air conditioning is one way to help people who take long trips to work, cope better with the economic downturn.
Most buses have too much air conditioning. Even in the winter it is switched on which is a waste of energy.
In fact, during the peak flu season air conditioning can help spread flu in enclosed spaces. In a redesigned minibus it would be possible to have more control over air-conditioning settings.
Also, if some buses did not have air conditioning on some routes, this could make fares cheaper for people on low incomes having to commute from some remote areas to the urban areas of Hong Kong. This would lower their transport costs.
Stefan Lam Kit-yung, Tuen Mun