Hong Kong Aims to Build a Sustainable Transport System

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 ◆ Hong Kong Aims to Build a Sustainable Transport System

Hong Kong aims to build a sustainable transport system to meet her future development.

Speaking at the Conference on "EnviroSeries 2002: Sustainable Transport," Paul Tang, acting secretary for transport of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), said here recently that the Transport Bureau has identified rail, the most efficient and environmentally friendly mass carrier, as the backbone of Hong Kong's transport system.

"Starting from this year, there will be a rail coming into operation almost every year - the Tseung Kwan O Extension in August this year, the West Rail in 2003, the Ma On Shan Rail and the Tsim Sha Tsim Extension in 2004, the Penny's Bay Rail Link in 2005 and the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line in 2007," Tang said.

Another six rails are recommended to be completed in 2008-2016.With the completion of the twelve rails, the population catchment of the rail will be as high as 70 percent as compared with 50 percent at the moment.

On better use of advanced technologies, Tang said, "We have developed a comprehensive Intelligent Transport System strategy which comprises two main elements - the Transport Information System which provides a central database for easy and efficient access by government departments, transport operators and the public; and a Traffic Management Framework which puts all existing traffic control functions under a coordinated central command."

With more effective and efficient transport management, road capacity would increase, traveling time saved and road safety enhanced.

In addition, there will be benefits on the environment from savings in fuel consumption and reduction in vehicle emission and improvement in public health overall, he added.