Full Breakdown
Traffic Gridlock in Central Hong Kong Amid Lunar New Year Celebrations
2/17/2026, 8:11:23 AM
Severe Congestion in Causeway Bay
On the final day of the Lunar New Year flower market at Victoria Park, parts of Hong Kong Island experienced significant traffic congestion, particularly in Causeway Bay. The influx of shoppers led to public transport disruptions, with buses and trams immobilized in bumper-to-bumper traffic for several hours. By 7 PM, vehicles remained stuck, and some drivers expressed frustration by honking as they navigated the crowded streets.
Commuter Experiences
A South China Morning Post reporter documented the chaos, noting that a tram journey of just one stop took 30 minutes. Upon attempting to walk to North Point, the reporter encountered dense crowds, prompting police to recommend switching to the MTR due to the gridlock affecting buses as well. Long queues formed at bus stops on Yee Wo Street, with commuters like 45-year-old Fanny waiting to reach her mother’s home at Lai Tak Tsuen, approximately 1 kilometer away.
Official Responses
Local authorities have acknowledged the challenges posed by the large crowds during the Lunar New Year festivities. The Hong Kong Transport Department has urged residents to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative transport options during peak times.
Criticism of Traffic Management
Critics have pointed to inadequate traffic management as a contributing factor to the congestion. Some residents expressed frustration over the lack of contingency plans to handle the surge in visitors to the flower market, suggesting that better coordination between public transport services and local law enforcement could have alleviated the situation.
What's Next
As the Lunar New Year celebrations conclude, city officials are expected to review the traffic management strategies employed during the event. Discussions may focus on improving public transport responsiveness and crowd control measures for future festivals to prevent similar disruptions.
