Sha Tin residents to be consulted on transport plan

The Transport Department is formulating preliminary options for the "New Public Transport Plan" in view of the commissioning of the KCRC East Rail Extensions (Ma On Shan Rail and Tsim Sha Tsui Extension) later this year.

Over the next few months, the department will conduct six Area Consultative Forums in Sha Tin to listen to the views of residents.

A Transport Department spokesman said the plan aimed to provide choice of services, enhance efficiency of the transport network, and maintain reasonable fare levels. It can also alleviate traffic congestion and bring environmental benefits. On franchised bus and minibus operations, the plan includes adjusting, rerouting, or discontinuing some bus routes."

"Our major considerations in formulating the transport plan include the comprehensive transport policy to develop railways as the public transport system backbone, traffic congestion in other districts and major roads, changes in travel patterns, and providing a reasonable choice of services to passengers. These proposed changes are in adjustment packages. Hence, certain services will be strengthened, and passengers affected will have a reasonable choice of alternative services. They may also be benefit from bus-bus-interchange and sectional fare concession schemes," the spoksman said.

Upon commissioning later this year, East Rail Extensions will link to Tsim Sha Tusi downtown. It will increase the transport capacity along the Ma On Shan corridor. As there will be passengers choosing rail services, the Transport Department must prepare for changes in travel patterns in Sha Tin.

The spokesman said that there were initially 13 adjustment packages and 16 new concession schemes, as well as other minor changes. Currently, the proposed bus-bus-interchange concession ranges from $2.7 to $5.3.

"Our direction is to ask service providers to provide concessions as far as possible, so that passengers can enjoy new services to reach their destination with the same or lower fares.

"Following our experiences in Tseung Kwan O Extension and West Rail, even if we have formulated plans with transport operators, we shall closely monitor changes in travel patterns after commissioning of the new rail, before implementing adjustments. The plan will be implemented in phases, in accordance with actual changes in travel patterns. This will ensure smooth implementation and avoid confusion to passengers. It is our plan not to implement any major adjustment within the first week of the commissioning of East Rail Extensions.

"Our target is to confirm the service arrangements in mid-2004. This will provide sufficient time for transport operators to redeploy resources, and for us to conduct publicity before the commissioning of the new railways."

Ends/Friday, March 5, 2004