Honest Green Mini Bus drivers

I just returned from a vacation from Davao and in that trip, I had the chance to notice the honesty of Davao cab drivers. During that week-long trip, I had to take taxi because time was gold and I have to do a lot of things. If I were to ride the jeepney, travel time is longer.

Davao taxicab drivers are generally quiet folks, although sometimes the inevitable topic of rising rice and gasoline cost may come up in an otherwise dull ride.

Anyway, back in Hong Kong, green mini buses are a cheap and quick alternative mode of transport. They can fill up quite easily and while more expensive than double decker buses, they are still much cheaper choice than taxicabs. They are airconditioned and drivers are generally nice.

I took a 24M green mini bus from Jardine's Lookout to my 11am appointment at Hong Kong Immigration office in Wan Chai and alighted at Admiralty. As I was about to board an MTR ride from Admiralty to Wan Chai, I noticed that my wallet was missing. On many occasions I searched my bag and pockets but I confirmed that the wallet was indeed not there.

What a day to start my return in Hong Kong. I had no money, not even coins to bring me anywhere. My wallet contained basically what everybody needed in HK: cash, ATM, credit cards and Hong Kong ID. I had to borrow from a friend who was kind enough to get off from her house within the area. In that instance I can easily imagine what it feels to be penniless in the city; I experienced it.

After filing a police report, I went to my appointment at the Immigration Department. I got no HKID to show to the duty officer but as fate would have destined me to lose my wallet, I also happen to bring my passport with me. That was a big relief.

I spent most of the day worrying about my wallet.

After returning to the Immigration and be scheduled for a new ID appointment, I was told that I need to pay because I lost my ID. I explained I can't pay because I just lost my wallet which contained cash and my ID. But shortly after the conversation with an Immigration officer, I received a call from the company that managed the bus I took earlier in the day. I was told that my wallet was found within bus 24M.

I was overwhelmed to hear the news and after 25 minutes I found myself reunited with the wallet I thought I'd never get back.

Whether it was a follow up operation from the police or an internal policy from the green mini bus management, it was a sign that Hong Kong is a place where likelihood of recovering lost items is high.

A big thank you to the honest driver of 24M route (Mount Butler) and his colleagues.

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