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The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed by the Government today (February 23) on the local transport arrangements at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), as well as the latest progress of discussions with the Governments of the Guangdong Province and Macau Special Administrative Region on the cross-boundary transport arrangements for the HZMB.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Members were told that the HKBCF is at a location that connects Hong Kong with the Pearl River Delta Region and is close to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). From the local perspective, the HKBCF are close to major tourism facilities and attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, the Giant Buddha and Ngong Ping 360. This will help promote tourism development in Hong Kong. Similar to arrangements enjoyed by people arriving in Hong Kong through the HKIA, the Government is committed to providing those people arriving in Hong Kong through the HKBCF with convenient and reasonably-priced public transport services to/from Lantau and other areas in Hong Kong.
"Members noted that there will be a public transport interchange (PTI) at the HKBCF. A drop-off area is adjacent to the Departure Hall on the first floor, and a pick-up area for different modes of public transport is on the ground floor. Sufficient spaces will be available at the PTI for passenger loading and unloading by franchised buses, green minibuses (GMBs), taxis and non-franchised buses (NFBs). There will also be a taxi queuing area and a car park close to the PTI.
"Following the established practice, the Transport Department (TD) will provide appropriate public transport services for the HKBCF having regard to the practical circumstances, existing transport infrastructural network and the synergy anticipated to be brought about by the HZMB. There will be a well-developed and convenient public transport network for members of the public to use franchised bus services for convenient access to/from the HKIA and various areas across Hong Kong. The public may also take franchised buses to/from MTR Sunny Bay Station and GMBs to/from MTR Tung Chung Station, for interchanging with the railway network for accessing all other areas of Hong Kong. In addition, urban, New Territories and Lantau taxis as well as NFBs providing tour service, hotel service and contract hire service may operate at the PTI."
The Government will brief the Legislative Council Panel on Transport, relevant District Councils and the Lantau Development Advisory Committee on the public transport arrangements. The TD will continue to be in touch with the trades to gather their views on the arrangements for the HKBCF. It will also press ahead with preparatory work for timely introduction of various public transport services to tie in with the opening of the HZMB.
Members noted that the Government has been actively studying and discussing the detailed cross-boundary transport arrangements for the HZMB with the Governments of the Guangdong Province and the Macau Special Administrative Region, as well as maintaining liaison with the relevant trades.
"Members were pleased to note the progress of the discussions among the three Governments about the cross-boundary transport arrangements for the HZMB. Members also agreed that the relevant arrangements should aim at meeting the needs of local residents, travellers and trades in the three places, so as to maximise the economic and transport benefits of the HZMB," Mr Kwok said.
Ends/Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:55
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