The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 Started from 25 January, Multiple Bus Terminals are Strengthening the Promotion

The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 took effect from 25 January, requiring all passengers on public transport and in commercial vehicles to wear seat belts. Violations are punishable by a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 months. If bus seats are equipped with seat belts, passengers must wear them at all times.

Photo by Bastille Post

On a bus traveling from Olympic Station to Shek Lei, some seats were equipped with seat belts. One passenger said he was accustomed to wearing seat belts on public transport and would specifically choose seats with them, adding that wearing seat belts could ensure safety, and he didn't mind the inconvenience it would bring.

Some passengers said they were slightly not used to wearing seat belts on buses, but agreed that safety was paramount. An elderly passenger said that if he found a seat without a seat belt, he would grip the seat handle tightly. On the bus, one passenger initially had difficulty pulling out the seat belt, but successfully put it on with the help of a neighboring passenger.

The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 took effect from 25 January. Photo source: FB of TD

The Transport Department (TD) stated that the amended regulation has been operating smoothly since its implementation. In the initial phase, strengthening promotion and public education will be prioritized. The law enforcement agency will consider both reason and law when violations occur, conducting professional investigations based on actual circumstances and handling cases fairly.

In the initial phase, strengthening promotion and public education will be prioritized. Photo source: FB of TD

The Transport Department reiterated that the regulation already includes reasonable excuses. If a passenger is unable to wear a seat belt due to individual circumstances, he or she can explain the situation and reasons when encountering the law enforcement agency, who will then consider and judge the matter based on the actual circumstances.

Staff would provide assistance to passengers when necessary. Photo source: FB of TD

The Department also stated that, to assist passengers in adapting the regulation requirement, it has further strengthened promotion and public education with the operators of both franchised bus and MTR bus, which includes deploying additional staff at bus termini with high passenger flow, such as the Central (Macau Ferry), Ngau Tau Kok and Lok Wah, Tai Loong Street in Kwai Chung, Queen's Hill in Fanling, and Tung Chung, etc., as well as at various public transport interchanges such as Tuen Mun Station, Siu Hong Station (North), and Tin Shui Wai Station, etc., to remind passengers, including children, the elderly, and those in need, to wear seat belts securely and to provide assistance when necessary.

TD has further strengthened promotion and public education with the operators of both franchised bus and MTR bus. Photo source: FB of TD

Hong Kong will host the UITP Summit in 2028, marking the first time the event will take place in the Asia-Pacific region.

UITP, Photo source: uitp.org

Following a competitive selection process and extensive deliberations by the UITP Executive Board, Hong Kong has been confirmed as the host city, with MTR Corporation serving as the local host organisation.

MTR Corporation, Photo by Bastille Post

The UITP Summit is the leading global event for public transport, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the sector, including operators, authorities, industry suppliers and policy makers from more than 100 countries. In 2028, that international community will gather in one of the world’s most recognised public transport cities.

A Global Summit Arrives in Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong’s selection reflects both the strength of its public transport system and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility.

Public transport accounts for around 90% of daily journeys in Hong Kong. With rail as the backbone of its network, the city has developed a highly efficient and integrated system that connects communities, supports economic activity and contributes to long-term sustainability.

Hosting the Summit in 2028 provides an opportunity to showcase this model to a global audience, while facilitating discussion on the sector’s most pressing priorities, from technological innovation and asset management to customer experience and climate resilience.

The public transport in Hong Kong, Photo by Bastille Post

Partnership with MTR Corporation
MTR Corporation has been a UITP member since 1990 and has contributed actively to the association’s committees, working groups and knowledge exchange initiatives.

The organisation has also hosted UITP Asia-Pacific conferences and has received UITP recognition for its work in areas including innovation and operational excellence.

As host organisation, MTR will work closely with UITP, local authorities and industry partners to deliver a Summit that reflects both Hong Kong’s public transport achievements and the global ambitions of the sector.

The 2028 edition will also provide an opportunity to highlight the wider Greater Bay Area and its role as a rapidly developing hub for innovation, connectivity and integrated urban mobility.

MTR Corporation, Photo by Bastille Post

The Road to 2028
Under UITP’s annual Summit format, the global public transport community meets each year in different regions of the world. As preparations continue for the 2026 edition in Dubai, and ahead of the return to Hamburg in 2027, the confirmation of Hong Kong for 2028 provides clarity on the Summit’s continued global rotation.

Each edition of the Summit offers a platform for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and industry leadership. In 2028, Hong Kong will welcome that conversation to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time.

Over the coming years, detailed preparations will begin in close cooperation with partners across the city. The 2028 Summit will build on the strong foundations of previous editions while highlighting the role of public transport in supporting inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable urban development.