Stop the bus!

Netizens were left in shock when a double-decker Citybus, which was out of service, was spotted driving in the opposite lane in Causeway Bay on Tuesday night.

Dashcam footage, widely circulated online, captured the incident as the bus entered Leighton Road in the wrong direction towards Causeway Road.

In the video it was evident that the bus driver realized the mistake midway and turned on the hazard lights, but continued driving. Concerned drivers in other vehicles flashed their high beams as a warning. Eventually the bus driver pulled over to the side of the road and luckily no traffic accidents occurred.

The footage quickly made its way across social media, drawing criticism from online users. One expressed their dismay, saying, "The bus driver thinks he owns the road."

Another added, "It's crazy that Citybus would assign new drivers to the airport line."

In response to media inquiries, Citybus stated, "We have immediately conducted an internal investigation into the incident, suspended the duties of the driver involved and will fully cooperate with the police investigation."

The company stressed that safety has always been a priority, requiring drivers to comply with traffic rules while continually striving to enhance safety awareness among drivers, passengers and other road users.

Interestingly, a similar incident occurred three years ago in Tseung Kwan O. In March 2021, a Kowloon Motor bus, carrying about 100 passengers, unexpectedly crossed double yellow lines and drove against traffic during peak hours.

The incident took place on the 290X route bus along Po Lam Road towards Sau Mau Ping, where a traffic jam near Po Tat Estate had occurred.

The bus abruptly cut in front of the traffic jam, crossed the double yellow lines, continued driving against traffic and eventually returned to its original lane after passing the congestion, coming to a stop at a traffic light junction.

Kowloon Motor Bus had said the bus driver seriously violated the company's safety code.

The driver was immediately terminated following an internal investigation. KMB also stressed their commitment to safety and expressed zero tolerance for any dangerous driving behaviors.

The police regarded the driver's actions as a serious threat to the safety of bus passengers and other road users. Subsequently, the bus driver was arrested for dangerous driving.

Driving against traffic violates Section 37 of Chapter 374 in the Road Traffic Ordinance, which constitutes "dangerous driving" and carries a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com