Family creates a DIY standing spot on minibus during LNY ride

A minibus turned into a battleground during Lunar New Year (LNY)  as a family rushed onto the vehicle despite its shortage of seats, igniting outrage among web users.

In a post on the social media platform Threads, the poster described her chaotic experience on an overloaded minibus in West Kowloon on January 31, the third day of LNY.

The poster noted the minibus driver announced that there were only five seats left as more passengers boarded. However, a group of mainland visitors insisted on bringing their children and elderly relatives abroad.

The poster claimed that she and the other passengers attempted to stop the family from boarding, but the family ignored them and surged inside the vehicle as if nothing was wrong.

The uploaded photo depicted two people creating a makeshift standing spot in the aisle near the back seat of the minibus.

As the family ignored the driver’s scoldings, the driver opted to continue driving, but his decision caused dissatisfaction among the passengers, with some threatening to contact the police.

Despite understanding the difficulties of the driver, the poster expressed concern that the driver driving an overloaded vehicle would affect her insurance if an accident occurred.

The post shortly garnered attention, with many criticizing the family for forcing their way onto the bus, stating their action could endanger others.

Some suggested the poster should have called for immediate police intervention, while others pointed out the driver's irresponsibility, urging others in similar situations to record the event by taking photos or videos, along with the driver’s details to report the incident. 

Meanwhile, International Professional Insurance Consulting Association chairman Paul Law Siu-hung had previously responded to a media inquiry that the minibus overloading violates insurance policy terms, noting the claims may be reduced by 30 percent to 50 percent in such a situation, affecting the driver, vehicle owner, and even passenger in valid seats.