TD in full gear to prepare for MOS Rail commissioning

The Transport Department (TD) is in full gear to prepare for the commissioning of Ma On Shan Rail (MOSR).

"We shall heighten monitoring of changes in traffic pattern, co-ordinate with KCRC and other transport operators and get prepared in case there is any contingency," the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said today (December 15) after visiting City One Station and Wu Kai Sha Station in Ma On Shan.

"A range of new transport and connection facilities are constructed to help passengers who want to take MOSR. Most of them, including the Wu Kai Sha public transport interchange (PTI), will be ready for service upon MOSR commissioning."

A handful of other work will also be completed very soon, including the Tai Wai PTI, which is scheduled to open in March 2005.

Mr Footman stressed that public transport plan would be rolled out in phases to facilitate adaptation. Existing transport services would be strengthened or maintained in the first two weeks of MOSR commissioning and adjustments would be implemented gradually afterwards. The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will be initiated to monitor the situations.

He advised passengers to take some time to get familiar with the new MOSR service, as well as the public transport plan via the department's and operators' information and enquiry channels.

The following new public infrastructures and facilities are provided at City One Station in enhancing accessibility/interchange for the residents: footbridge across Chap Wai Kong Street, cycle parks of 180 new spaces, a loading bay of about 80 metres in length and taxi pick up/drop off points.

A new PTI at Wu Kai Sha Station will be open for use on Saturday (December 18) with six bus stops, two green minibus bays, one bay each for urban taxis and New Territories taxis and one general loading/unloading bay specially designed for coaches up to 12 metres long.

Mr Footman was briefed on the progress of works by his staff. He also talked with GMB drivers and bus company staff who were having a trial run during the visit and listened to their feedbacks about the design and arrangements of the PTI.

Ends/Wednesday, December 15, 2004