The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:
 
     Organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the "Green Travel for a Zero Carbon Future" - New Energy Bus Experience Day and Carnival was held at CIC-Zero Carbon Park today (March 2), attracting more than 1 000 participants.
 
     The Experience Day and Carnival was funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund with a featured exhibition and activities to promote the safety and sustainability of new energy transport. Participants learned about the role of new energy transport in improving roadside air quality and reducing carbon emissions, and their contribution to achieve carbon neutrality for Hong Kong before 2050. Citybus Limited and Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited respectively arranged for their hydrogen bus and electric bus to offer free rides for the public from designated points to CIC-Zero Carbon Park, enabling them to experience an eco-friendlier and better-quality journey provided by new energy buses.
 
     Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, said that compared with traditional diesel buses, electric buses and hydrogen buses do not generate carbon emissions or air pollutants, thus they are more effective against climate change and improve roadside air quality. Moreover, since they are driven by motors, the new energy buses provide a quieter and cozier environment inside the compartment, delivering a better experience for passengers.
 
     Miss Wong said that transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gases in Hong Kong. In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and attain zero vehicular emissions, Hong Kong has been striving to develop new energy transportation.
 
     "The Government has already set a target to introduce about 700 electric buses and around 3 000 electric taxis, as well as increasing the number of parking spaces with charging facilities to about 200 000 by the end of 2027. In the first half of 2024, we will also formulate a citywide green transformation roadmap and timetable for public buses and taxis," she said.
 
     "In terms of hydrogen development, a number of consultancy studies have been completed, including the risk assessment of the use of tunnels for hydrogen vehicles in Hong Kong. The Government has launched a trade consultation on the proposed amendments to the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51) on February 20 this year, with a view to introducing a bill into the Legislative Council in 2025," added Miss Wong. 

     "In addition, the Government will announce the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in the second quarter of this year to provide details on the challenges and direction of hydrogen development in Hong Kong," she said.
 
     "Green Travel for a Zero Carbon Future" - New Energy Bus Experience Day and Carnival is one of the events under Hong Kong Green Week. Organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau in collaboration with different organisers, Hong Kong Green Week promotes the development of green technology and green finance in Hong Kong through a series of activities from February 26 to March 2.

Ends/Saturday, March 2, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:25

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