New public transport plan to be implemented for MOS Rail opening

A new public transport plan will be implemented gradually and new facilities will be provided in connection with the anticipated commissioning of the Ma On Shan Rail (MOSR) at the end of this year. The MOSR is an additional transport service for passengers travelling to and from Ma On Shan.

After rounds of extensive consultation with the local representatives, the Transport Department has developed a public transport plan to match the change in passenger demand.

"The primary objective of the public transport plan is to provide sufficient feeder services for those who live further away from new railway stations," the Assistant Commissioner for Transport, Mr Stephen Ip, said today (December 13).

"We will phase in the public transport plan gradually to facilitate smooth adaptation. The first phase will strengthen feeder services to MOSR stations. Other changes such as cancellation of bus routes will only be introduced after passenger travelling patterns have been carefully monitored and assessed after the opening of the MOSR. All existing public transport services will be maintained at the beginning of commissioning of the new railway.

"New facilities including connection bridges, subways, road crossings, cycle parks, taxi pick-up and drop-off points, etc, will also be provided or improved for better access to stations of the MOSR," he added.

Mr Ip said that a new public transport interchange at Wu Kai Sha station, the northern terminus of the MOSR, had been built. A new public transport interchange at Tai Wai station, the southern terminus of the railway, was being built to replace the existing bus terminus in March 2005.

The Transport Department will post to every household in Ma On Shan and relevant districts a booklet containing all basic information regarding changes to franchised bus and green minibus services in connection with the opening of the railway.

Public transport operators will put up advance notices before implementation of major adjustments at bus terminuses, stops and inside buses to inform passengers of changes in transport patterns.

Enquiries on details of the public transport plan can be made through the Transport Department's hotline/homepage (2804 2600 / www.info.gov.hk/td) or relevant transport operators.

Ends/Monday, December 13, 2004