Bus driver union slams KMB policy to turn off AC when travelling with no patrons

2026.03.18 08:20 KMB is under fire for its new policies to save on fuel costs. Photo: Jelly Tse A Hong Kong bus driver union has hit out at a company’s guidelines asking drivers to save fuel amid surging oil prices by switching off air-conditioning when they are not carrying passengers, arguing that such policies pose safety risks. In a statement on Wednesday, the Motor Transport Workers General Union also called on public bus firm KMB to allow for lower air-conditioning temperatures inside compartments to improve the working environment of bus captains. “The union believes that the company’s requirement for turning off air conditioning and opening windows when not carrying passengers under environmental protection pretexts seriously ignores the already severe air pollution problems on various routes with heavy traffic and passenger flow,” it said. “In addition, buses are often exposed to direct sunlight during daily operations, and without adequate air conditioning and ventilation, this could lead to heatstroke among drivers and traffic accidents, resulting in loss of life and property that no one wants to see.” The union urged KMB to lower the air conditioning temperature from 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) to 23 degrees, to help with ventilation and improve the working environment. The group said it had sought the help of the Transport Department and the Labour Department in following up. “Regarding the company’s so-called fuel-saving plan, the union also hopes that the resources saved will be prioritised for installing a fan in front of the driver’s seat on each bus for the driver’s use,” it said. A KMB internal notice seen by the South China Morning Post instructed bus drivers not to turn on their engines except when they were about to pick up passengers, while avoiding sudden acceleration or braking to save fuel in light of soaring fuel prices. The notice asked the drivers to turn off the air conditioning of buses when they are not carrying passengers, “wh

原文链接: 南华早报