New Transport Department chief ready to take on challenges

    The new Commissioner for Transport, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said today (June 18) that he was pleased to provide a safe, reliable and highly efficient transport system to meet different demands.

    Speaking on his first day as the head of the Transport Department, Mr Wong pointed out that Hong Kong was one of the most densely populated cities in the world. His biggest challenge was to provide a safe, reliable and highly efficient transport system to meet different demands by making reasonable use of road space in an environmental friendly manner.

    "The mission of the Transport Department is to excel in our key roles of planner, regulator, service provider and manager. I am dedicated to work together with my colleagues and accomplish the mission.

    "In the past two weeks, I have been meeting the heads of various units to know more about their work and what kind of challenges they are facing. I have full confidence that with our untiring efforts, we will continue to improve Hong Kong's transport infrastructure to meet the community's demand for better services.

    "I would like to extend my gratitude to my predecessor Mr Robert Footman for the Department's outstanding achievements in the past six years. During the past two weeks, Mr Footman has offered me much invaluable advice. Following the excellent tradition that Mr Footman has set up, I am confident to move forward with all colleagues and surpass our achievements."

Ends/Saturday, June 18, 2005