KMB Seeks Better Speed Limiters After Tai Po Crash

The Kowloon Motor Bus Company said it’s looking into enhancing the speed limiters installed on its vehicles in the wake of the deadly accident in Tai Po last month which left 19 dead and dozens more injured.

At a meeting of the Tai Po District Council, KMB representative Addie Lam said the company is still investigating the why a double-decker toppled over on its side as it was making its way around a bend.

While speeding has not officially been identified as the cause of the crash, Lam said KMB engineers are discussing with overseas suppliers on ways to enhance the effectiveness of its speed limiters.

He said currently, the limiters are designed to keep buses from travelling faster than 70 kilometres per hour by cutting the supply of fuel when vehicles reach the threshold.

However, if the vehicle is going down a hill, he said gravity may push buses past the 70 kph limit. Lam said measures are being considered on how to keep the vehicles at a safe speed.

Lam also said KMB is open to switching out the double deckers that usually run the affected route 872 between the Sha Tin Racecourse to Tai Po for single-deckers, if factors such as passenger demand allow for the change.