Riots in 1967 sparked service by van owners

Hong Kong's public light bus industry was born of the leftist riots that rocked the city in 1967.

With the streets filled with protesters and union activists at the two main bus companies - China Motor Bus on the island and Kowloon Motor Bus - encouraging their workers to strike, the city ground to a virtual halt.

Taxis and the railway were unable to cope and into this void stepped entrepreneurial van owners who began operating illegal bus services in their neighbourhoods.

The colonial government, grateful for the relief provided by the operators, essentially turned a blind eye to the practice for the next two years.

The introduction in 1969 of legislation legalising the services and making available some 5,000 licences for existing providers was not without controversy. Some commentators believed it was wrong of the government to issue licences to people who had been profiting from an illegal activity.

Others, like the head of the Hongkong Tramways, argued that law abiding and co-operative firms like his should also be given the chance to operate minibuses.