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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) received updates from the Government today (February 27) on the latest development of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in Hong Kong, with highlights on two applications recently commissioned, namely Hong Kong eTransport kiosks (eTransport kiosks) and Speed Map Panels (SMPs).
The eTransport kiosks allow users to search for possible public transport routes from the kiosk's location to their desired destinations. The kiosks also provide information on real-time traffic conditions and transport facilities in the vicinity.
The TAC Members noted that since some members of the public, e.g. tourists, may not be able to access the Internet readily, the Transport Department has recently installed eight eTransport kiosks in various strategic locations to provide them with traffic-related information. The locations include the Arrival Hall in Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Yau Lai Shopping Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, MTR Sha Tin Station and Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange.
On SMPs, Members were informed that such panels assist motorists in making informed route choices by providing them with real-time traffic conditions on the roads ahead through gantry signs in a schematic map format. Different colours are used to represent different levels of congestion on the road sections concerned.
Five sets of SMPs have been installed on the Kowloon-bound side of major routes in the New Territories, including Tai Po Road - Sha Tin, Tate's Cairn Highway, Tolo Highway, San Tin Highway and Tuen Mun Road. The feasibility of expanding the SMPs to the other major routes is being explored.
Members noted that the Transport Department will continue to examine every possibility to further develop ITS in Hong Kong, having regard to the local circumstances.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Providing real-time traffic information to passengers and motorists is essential in helping them to make informed route choices. We welcome the Government's efforts in maximising the utilisation of Hong Kong's limited road space through the application of innovative traffic management."
Ends/Friday, February 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:58
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