HK taxis & buses don't need handouts, they need EVs

Diesel and LPG fuel prices in Hong Kong have massively increased since the beginning of the Iran war. As of today, the diesel price is around US$4.6 per liter...that's approaching US$18 per gallon for the metrically challenged. To help cushion the fast change in price, the Hong Kong Government offered a two month fuel subsidy for commerical vehicles which is now about to expire.

The Hong Kong Taxi Owners’ Association, more famous for regularly complaining about competition from ride hailing vehicles, argues that the subsidy should be extended. They complain that costs will increase for cabbies and income will fall if the taxpayer handout is ended. But this is only true for cabbies that haven't switched to newer electric cabs, only those that are driving 20+ year old Toyota Crowns. Many taxis have already switched cheaper to operate electric vehicles and deserve to be rewarded for their foresight instead of penalized by giving out handouts to their less thoughtful competitors. On top of that, Hong Kong would be better off in terms of cleaner air and quieter streets if the holdouts made the switch. The is doubly true for diesel buses and trucks which generate even more noise and pollution than much smaller taxis.

Instead of using taxpayer money to pay to keep loud and dirty vehicles on the street, end the subsidies and allow the Iran War vis-a-vis the market to encourage operators to invest in cheaper-to-operate, clean and quiet EVs.