23rd December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A recent incident on a KMB bus travelling to Tsim Sha Tsui has ignited significant public outrage after a video of a female passenger attempting to board with a dog went viral. The altercation began when the bus driver requested the passenger to disembark, citing regulations that prohibit pets on public transport, with the exception of guide dogs. The passenger, however, refused to leave, insisting that her dog was a licensed “living Buddha,” a claim that escalated tensions within the vehicle.
The three-minute video, widely circulated on social media, depicts the woman sitting next to a covered stroller, asserting her right to keep the dog onboard. Despite the driver’s repeated requests for her to exit, the passenger maintained her stance, claiming she possessed the necessary documentation to support her assertion. Her defiance led to a standstill that ultimately forced the bus to stop operating, much to the frustration of other passengers.
As the situation unfolded, nearby commuters expressed their willingness to pool funds to cover her fare in exchange for her departure, but these offers were met with further obstinance. The woman declared, “I am so domineering, I am very unreasonable,” and threatened to call the police, declaring her intent to disrupt the service. Other passengers, unfazed by her threats, remarked that they would “accompany her to the end,” highlighting a growing resentment towards her behaviour.
Public reaction has been swift and largely critical, with many online commentators labelling her actions as selfish and disrespectful. Comments included sentiments such as, “It’s pointless to reason with her,” and “Bringing a so-called living Buddha on a bus is disrespectful.” Calls for enforcement of regulations surrounding pet transport on public buses have intensified, with suggestions that she should face penalties for her actions.
According to the Public Bus Service Regulations, passengers are prohibited from bringing pets onto buses, except for guide dogs assisting visually impaired individuals. Observers have noted that adherence to such regulations is essential for maintaining order and respect among all passengers.
