Bus driver work shifts under review after fatal Hong Kong crash, labour chief says

Revelation made as unions renew call to raise pay amid manpower shortage

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On Sunday, members of the Federation of Bus Industry Trade Unions voiced their concerns about driver fatigue arising from long working hours. Photo: David Wong

Published: 4:30pm, 24 Sep 2017Updated: 11:19pm, 17 Oct 2017

Transport workers under the two biggest labour unions have called on the government to carry out a complete overhaul of franchise bus drivers’ pay structure and working hours to minimise overwork and lower traffic accident risks.

This came as transport officials on Sunday said it would follow up with bus companies and consider reviewing of the established guidelines for drivers’ shifts after a deadly bus crash on Friday.

Three people were killed and 31 others injured when a route E21A Citybus-operated double-decker mounted a pavement in Sham Shui Po and ploughed into pedestrians. The driver, 44, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death and released on bail.

Kung Sui-tong, deputy head of the Motor Transport Workers General Union’s Citybus branch, said the driver had a record of being “reliable and hardworking” during his five years of employment.

He had recently switched from working the regular airport “A” line to doing overnight shifts to earn more money. His original shift was 9pm on the night of the crash, but was asked by his supervisor to start at around 5pm, which he willingly agreed to, Kung said.

The Post learned earlier that the driver had recently been working 14 hours a day – the maximum number the department recommends for drivers. But Citybus claimed he had sufficient rest time of at least 10 hours as stipulated by regulation, between shifts.