TAC briefed on Government's progress of discussion of new franchise for Star Ferry and widening works of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section)
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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) convened a meeting today (January 30) and was briefed on the latest progress of the discussion between the Government and the "Star" Ferry Company, Limited (Star Ferry) on the new franchise, as well as the Government's plan to seek funding approval from the Legislative Council (LegCo) for the construction of Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section).
The existing franchise of the Star Ferry will end on March 31 and the company has applied for an extension of the current franchise for 15 years upon its expiry.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said "The TAC notes that the negotiations between the Government and the Star Ferry are almost complete. Members are pleased to note that the Star Ferry made a series of commitments under the new franchise to respond to passengers' requests, further raise the ferry service quality including environmental performance and enhance the environment of the harbourfront, having regard to the views and suggestions of the TAC and members of the public. The Chief Executive in Council will make the final decision on the new franchise matters."
In addition, the TAC was briefed on the Government's plan to seek funding approval from the LegCo for the construction of Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section).
At present, Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) between Sha Tin Plaza near Sha Tin Rural Committee Road and Man Wo House of Wo Che Estate near Fo Tan Road is dual two-lane carriageway. Traffic congestion frequently occurs at this section of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) during peak hours. According to the traffic impact assessment of the project, it is envisaged that the congestion will worsen in view of the continued development in Sha Tin and the northern New Territories. Therefore, the Government proposed to carry out the widening works of the above road section of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) and modify the Sha Tin Rural Committee Road Interchange to meet the traffic demand.
The Government consulted the Panel on Transport of the LegCo on the funding proposal on January 19 and obtained its support. The Government plans to submit the proposal to the Public Works Subcommittee of the LegCo, to be followed by seeking funding approval from the Finance Committee of the LegCo.
Subject to the funding approval of the Finance Committee of the LegCo, the Government plans to commence the construction works in the second quarter of 2018 for completion in the second half of 2023.
"Members of the TAC welcome the proposal for the construction of Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) and support the Government to commence the construction works as soon as possible," Mr Kwok said.
Ends/Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:12
Issued at HKT 17:12
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