ExplainerHow Hong Kong hopes to avoid repeat of New Year’s Eve’s border chaos and why easier crossings can be double-edged sword
- Hong Kong plans to discuss proposal to extend operating hours of cross-border checkpoints connected by railway services with mainland Chinese authorities
- The Post takes a look at what problems the city might face with night owl border crossings, and how they might affect the economy
The chaos that reigned as thousands of mainland Chinese tourists tried to head home after watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Hong Kong only to be delayed or stranded at the border has sparked calls for better connections.
The Hong Kong government a day after the transport trouble said it hoped to negotiate with its mainland counterpart over an extension to operating hours at checkpoints connected to rail services and adding more that offered round-the-clock services.
Authorities also promised to better coordinate transport arrangements in advance of any future large events so visitors could get home more easily.
The Post takes a look at what problems Hong Kong might face with night owl border crossings, and how they might affect the city’s economy.
1. Why are authorities seeking to extend the checkpoints’ operating times?
About 26,000 visitors descended on the Lok Ma Chau control point connecting Shenzhen’s Huanggang after watching the fireworks.