Travel Characteristics Survey 2022 to commence in September (with photos/video)
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A spokesperson for the TD said that the TCS aims to collect up-to-date information on Hong Kong people's travel patterns and behavior, which will be used to update and enhance the strategic transport model and to forecast future traffic conditions. The traffic forecasts will provide essential references for the planning of transport infrastructure and the formulation of transport policies, such that the future transport system can better meet the needs of the public.
The spokesperson said, "In the past 10 years, with the rapid development of Hong Kong, the travel patterns of the public have changed significantly. First, the completion of many transport infrastructure projects in recent years, including the East Rail Line - Cross Harbour Extension, Tuen Ma Line, South Island Line, West Island Line, Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Tunnel, Heung Yuen Wai Highway, Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has further enhanced the connectivity of Hong Kong's transport network and offers more travelling options to the public. Second, fast-moving information technology has enabled real-time and multi-faceted dissemination of traffic information. People can now obtain instantaneous traffic information via various mobile applications for planning their journeys in advance and select the most suitable transport modes, thereby changing their travel habits. Third, regarding lifestyles, the growing popularity of online shopping, video conferencing and distance learning, as well as the increasing integration of Hong Kong with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and the new norms from working and studying from home under the pandemic have triggered a change in travel needs. Therefore, we call for the selected households to support the TCS, such that the TD could grasp and assess these changes, understand the needs of the people, and better shape the future transport system of Hong Kong."
The TCS will collect two key types of information. The first type is trip information of individual household members, such as time of trips, transport modes used, interchange locations and destinations. The other type is the factors affecting their travel characteristics and views on various transport facilities, such as the use of private cars, considerations in choosing transport modes and elderly people's opinions towards transport services. The information will be used by the Government in planning the future transport system.
Selected households for the TCS will receive notification letters inviting their participation from the TD by batches. Households can complete the survey via different means, including filling in an online questionnaire or by making appointments for face-to-face/telephone interviews through the TCS dedicated website or hotline. If a household has not made an appointment for an interview or completed the online questionnaire one week after the issuing of the notification letter, survey officers will visit the household and assist in completing the survey.
For ease of identification by the households, survey officers will wear a blue uniform and carry a blue satchel, as well as a name tag with photos issued by the TD. To safeguard the health of households and survey officers, the survey officers will follow stringent anti-pandemic measures. All survey officers hosting face-to-face interviews must comply with the requirements of the Vaccine Pass. They will also undergo Polymerase Chain Reaction tests two times a week, and every day before field work, conduct Rapid Antigen Tests and report their health conditions. During household visits, survey officers will wear masks of suitable standard and goggles.
All household members will be invited to participate in the survey. For children and elderly who are unable to answer the questionnaire on their own, other household members can reply on their behalf. Each household member will take around 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire, depending on the actual trip details.
Households are selected from the database of the Census and Statistics Department through random sampling by addresses. The respondents will only need to provide basic information such as age range, trip records and occupation. Personal information such as an identity (ID) card number, the name on an ID card and date of birth are not required. All information provided by the respondents will be encrypted during transmission to a designated and protected server. The tablets to be used in the interviews will neither store nor retain any data. All the completed questionnaires will be destroyed upon completion of data analysis.
The TD call for active participation from selected households and sharing of their trip details will help form the basis for future transport planning and policy formulation. Visit the dedicated website (www.tcs2022.gov.hk) or call the hotline at 3900 1100 for details.
Ends/Monday, September 5, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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