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VIII. Transport
Guiding Principle
171. We need to have comprehensive and long-term planning for public transport, which is closely related to people's livelihood, economic development and environmental protection. Our railway network is the backbone of Hong Kong's public transport system. It carries over 4.5 million passengers per day, accounting for about 40% of all public transport passenger trips. The development of rail transport not only can significantly speed up passenger flow, but also alleviate road traffic congestion and reduce vehicle-induced air pollution. The development potential of areas along the railway lines can also be unleashed to facilitate economic development. Therefore, our long-term planning for public transport will revolve around a railway-based network complemented by bus services.
Long-term Railway Development Strategy
172. The five railway projects now underway are the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section), Kwun Tong Line Extension, West Island Line, South Island Line (East) and Shatin to Central Link. These lines are expected for commissioning in succession between 2014 and 2020. With these new lines, areas inhabited by more than 70% of the population in Hong Kong will be brought into the railway catchment area.
173. A railway project typically takes 8 to 10 years to go through the process from planning to commissioning, and usually requires multi-billion dollar investment. Therefore, it is imperative for the Government to be forward-looking and make timely plans for the future. The THB started a review and update of the long-term railway development strategy in 2011. We plan to launch Stage 2 Public Engagement Exercise early this year, with the focal point on the exploration of local enhancement schemes for existing railway lines. We will work together with the public to plan the development of our future railways which are cost-effective and able to meet our transportation demand.
Review of MTR Fare Adjustment Mechanism
174. The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) is a public utility of which the Government has a shareholding of about 77%. Although a listed company, the MTRCL is not just another private enterprise. Over the years, it has been supporting the development of the Government's mass transport policy, and is granted the right to carry out property development projects above stations along railway lines. We fully understand the public expectation that, with railways as the backbone of our public transportation system, the MTRCL should run its business in a prudent and fair manner, provide fast and convenient services, and charge reasonable fares.
175. In accordance with the Operating Agreement signed in 2007, the Government is conducting a five-yearly review of the Fare Adjustment Mechanism with the MTRCL. Our objective is to incorporate service performance and profitability of the MTRCL, as well as public affordability as additional factors for consideration in the Fare Adjustment Mechanism. These are factors the Government has taken into account when considering fare adjustment proposals put forth by franchised public transport operators. We believe the MTRCL should be no exception.
176. We hope that the Government and the MTRCL will arrive at a "win-win" agreement in the early part of this year so that the community can share the fruit of MTRCL's success, whilst laying a more solid foundation for the next stage of strategic development.
Facilitating Traffic Diversion for Road Harbour Crossings
177. The public has expressed concern about traffic congestion at the road harbour crossings and related traffic problems. Following public consultation and consultancy studies, the Government has worked out feasible proposals to alleviate congestion at the harbour crossings. The broad direction is to increase the toll fees for the Cross Harbour Tunnel and reduce those for the Eastern Harbour Crossing through government subsidy, so as to divert traffic and ease congestion. We plan to conduct public consultation on the specific proposals in the first half of this year and hope that public consensus can be reached as soon as possible.
(To be continued)
Ends/Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:59
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