TAC Chairman welcomes traffic and transport-related initiatives in Budget
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The Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC), Professor Stephen Cheung, today (February 22) welcomed the traffic and transport-related initiatives set out in the Financial Secretary's 2023-24 Budget.
Professor Cheung said, "As Hong Kong's economy is recovering, transportation serves as a driving force for economic development. The Budget announced that the Government will launch new schemes to offer fully guaranteed loans for eligible passenger transport operators, etc, to support cross-boundary passenger transport and the tourism industry. I believe the schemes will help boost the resumption of cross-boundary passenger transport services. I also support the Government to extend the temporary special measures under the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme to reduce the burden of transport expenses on the public along the path to normalcy.
"I note that the Budget features initiatives regarding green transport, for instance, to facilitate the trials of the use of new energy for various public transport, and to put in place a loan scheme with 100 per cent guarantee for the taxi trade as an incentive for the replacement of existing taxis with battery electric taxis. These initiatives and financial support are essential to building Hong Kong into a liveable and green city.
"In terms of long-term planning, I support the Budget adopting the 'infrastructure-led' and 'capacity-creating' principles in taking forward transport infrastructure projects. The Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads beyond 2030 is now under public consultation. The TAC members have put forward their views and suggestions on the subject. I hope that the Government will continue to take forward the study and formulate the future Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint for Hong Kong, and implement feasible projects as soon as possible to meet the long-term transport needs and improve the transport network."
Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:19
Issued at HKT 18:19
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