Ma Wan transport and traffic arrangements reviewed

In response to the requests of Ma Wan residents and to tie in with the population changes and comprehensive developments in Ma Wan, the Transport Department has reviewed the transport and traffic arrangements for the island, and will implement relevant measures according to established procedures.

     As the Lantau Link was originally built to cope with the anticipated traffic arising from the airport and Tung Chung development only, it has been Government's policy to have sea transport as the primary form of access to Ma Wan with road transport as the supplement. A 75% to 25% ratio between sea and road patronage to and from Ma Wan has been adopted as the guideline to achieve the balance necessary to avoid overburdening the Lantau Link.

     "Recently, Ma Wan residents have asked for more bus services. They also asked for access of taxis during the overnight period to cater for their urgent transport needs," a Transport department spokesman said today (October 15). "After considering the residents' needs, their transport patterns and the traffic capacity of Lantau Link, we agree in principle that, while ferry service shall remain the principal transport mode for Ma Wan, the road transport can be suitably increased, that is the residents' bus services can be strengthened, and urban taxis can be allowed to access Ma Wan from midnight to 6am," the spokesman said.

     The Transport Department will, according to established procedures, submit an application to the Town Planning Board for an amendment to the Outline Zoning Plan of Ma Wan to reflect the changes in the traffic and transport arrangements. The department will, at the same time, proceed with the legislative amendments for taxi access to Ma Wan during the overnight period by specifying the toll charges for taxi hiring commencing from Ma Wan. The department will duly communicate with the residents of Ma Wan, organisations concerned and the Tsuen Wan District Council throughout the entire process.

Ends/Monday, October 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:20