Hong Kong urged to follow South Korea with free public transport days to fight air pollution
Advocacy group Clean Air Network argues policy set to launch in Seoul could be ‘beneficial’ locally
The Clean Air Network argued the city should follow the South Korean capital of Seoul’s lead by waiving public transport fares during rush hour on days when air pollutants reach dangerous levels.
From next month, Seoul will operate rush-hour trains and buses free of charge when the daily average density of ultra-fine dust in the capital reaches 50 micrograms, according to a recent report in The Korea Times.
Commenting on the policy, Clean Air Network campaign officer Winnie Tse Wing-lam said she would support its introduction in Hong Kong, but argued the initiative would need to be combined with more concerted government efforts.
“To have a day when transport is free to curb air pollution is a very good sign,” she said. “It is beneficial to the general public. But this policy alone is not enough. We also need specific limits on the numbers of cars being allowed in the city centre or congestion fee charges, as in London.”