Transport Bureau

In the past year, we have been working on 74 pledges, of which:

The following sets out the detailed report for each main programme area.

The Transport Infrastructure

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To establish a Railway Division in Transport Bureau to oversee and co-ordinate the planning of the three priority projects identified in the Railway Development Strategy, namely the West Rail, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Tseung Kwan O Extension and Ma On Shan/Tai Wai rail link and the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) extension from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui, which are expected to cost over $100illion. The Chinese side of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group was fully briefed on these projects prior to the handover.
1996 2. To speed up planning of the West Rail, the MTR Tseung Kwan O extension and Ma On Shan/Tai Wai rail link and the KCR extension from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui by providing information to and consulting the Chinese authorities on the project before making decisions which may create commitments for the future Special Administrative Region Government. The Chinese side of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group was fully briefed on these projects prior to the handover.
1996 3. To examine, with the aid of consultants, the financial, legal, engineering and land implications of the proposal put forward by Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) for building the West Rail. We will take into account all these factors before arriving at a view on the Corporation's proposal by early 1997. Following the endorsement by the Executive Council, Government announced in December 1996 the way forward for the West Rail. The project would be developed in two phases with the domestic passenger line from West Kowloon to Tuen Mun being built first, and the cross boundary passenger and freight services to be built at a later date.
1996 4. To examine, with the aid of consultants, the financial, legal, engineering and land implications of the proposal put forward by Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) for building the MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension. We will take into account all these factors before arriving at a view on the Corporation's proposal by early 1997. Following the endorsement by the Executive Council, Government announced in December?996 that MTRC should proceed with the detailed planning and design of the MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension.
1996 5. To examine in 1996-97 the need to improve services at the Lok Ma Chau boundary crossing to meet increased vehicular and passenger traffic. Review of the need to improve services at the Lok Ma Chau boundary crossing completed. Vehicular and passenger handling capacity will be expanded.
1996 6. To ensure that maintenance and roadwork projects are carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption to road users. We awarded a turnkey contract in August 1996 for the design and provision of a computerised utility management system. By the end of September 1997, development and initial implementation of production system had been completed.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 7. To speed up planning of the West Rail by discussing with the KCRC the planning and financial aspects of the project. Discussion is on-going with KCRC with a view to drawing up a project agreement for Government's consideration in 1998. The Tai Lam Tunnel Section of the West Rail Phase I was gazetted on 25 July 1997. This is a major step forward in the implementation of the project.
1996 8. To speed up planning of the MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension by discussing with the MTRC the planning and financial aspects of the project. Discussion is on-going with MTRC with a view to drawing up a project agreement for Government's consideration in 1998. The Yau Tong to Po Lam section of the MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension was gazetted in September 1997.
1996 9. To decide how best to take forward the Ma On Shan/Tai Wai rail link and the KCR Extension from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui after completing an engineering study in early 1997. The scope of the study has been expanded to review the need for an additional rail link between Sha Tin and Kowloon. The engineering feasibility study has been completed. We are considering the appropriate institutional and financial arrangements for implementing the Ma On Shan/Tai Wai rail link and the KCR Extension, and would make recommendations on the way forward in 1997.
1996 10. To cater for increased traffic generated by the opening of the new airport by constructing the Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, a 2.1 kilometre dual two-lane carriageway linking the Tsing Tsuen Bridge and the Lantau Fixed Crossing. Work will start in early 1999 for completion in early 2002 at a cost of over $1.2illion. We have completed 90% of the detailed design and started the preparation of tender documents.
1996 11. We will cater for increased traffic generated by the opening of the Western Harbour Crossing by constructing a dual two-lane flyover spanning the junction of Pokfulam Road and Sassoon Road. Work will commence in late 1998 for completion in mid-2001 at a cost of $363illion. Detailed design of the scheme is under way.
1996 12. To improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in Tsim Sha Tsui by:
  • widening Salisbury Road from the Star Ferry Concourse to Mody Lane;
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  • constructing a vehicular underpass along Salisbury Road at its junction with Chatham Road South;
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We completed the preliminary traffic study and have commenced the detailed design.
  • implementing a traffic circulation system in Middle Road; and
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  • constructing pedestrian subways at the junction of Salisbury Road and Kowloon Park Drive; at the junction of Kowloon Park Drive and Peking Road; and at the junction of Austin Road and Canton Road.
We have completed 30% of the detailed design.
Work will start in late 1998 for completion in early 2002 at a cost of $383illion.
1996 13. To enhance safety and traffic flow in the Sai Kung area by improving Hiram's Highway. We will upgrade the junction at Clearwater Bay Road by building a flyover and re-align the section between Nam Wai and Nam Pin Wai. Work will commence in early 1997 for completion by mid-2001 at a total cost of $268illion. Works for the flyover at junction of Hiram's Highway and Clearwater Bay Road commenced in January 1997. Assessments of the environmental and drainage impact of the proposed re-aligned section between Nam Wai and Nam Pin Wai was completed in March 1997. We are now carrying out the detailed design for the said section.
1996 14. To complete a feasibility study in 1997 on alternative options for the Central Kowloon Route and identify the best way to take the project forward. The feasibility study was substantially completed. We are considering various alignment options.
1996 15. To carry out the Third Comprehensive Transport Study to provide a framework for planning and prioritising our future transport infrastructure requirements up to 2011. The study commenced in August 1997 for completion in 1999.
1996 16. To increase the number of kiosks at the Lok Ma Chau Boundary Crossing from 14 to 24 by 1999 to cope with the growing volume of cross boundary freight and passenger traffic. Apart from increasing the number of kiosks to expand the capacity for vehicle flow, the passenger hall will also be improved to cater for 25 000 passengers a day. Resource requirements are included in 1997 Resource Allocation Exercise.
1995 17. To start work on the Duplicate Tsing Yi South Bridge costing $1illion which, when completed in 1998, will significantly improve traffic to and from Tsing Yi. We have completed the construction of bridge piers and 20% of the bridge deck.
1995 18. To start work on the Hung Hom Bypass and Princess Margaret Road Link and to complete the project in 1999 at a cost of $1 billion. We have completed 44% of the works.
1995 19. To improve traffic conditions in the Northeast New Territories by widening the section of Tolo Highway between Tai Po and Sha Tin to dual four-lane standard, including a traffic surveillance and information system, at a total cost of $908illion. Work will start in 1998 for completion by 2001. The project design consultancy has commenced. We have drafted plans for gazetting under Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance.
1995 20. To increase the capacity of Castle Peak Road in the section between Siu Lam and So Kwun Tan at a cost of $250illion by early 1999. We have commenced works in February 1997 and completed 15% of the works.
1995 21. To increase the capacity of the northbound vehicle holding area at the Sha Tau Kok Boundary Crossing from 50 to 120 vehicles by May 1999 to cope with growing demand. We invited tenders for the works on 25 July 1997. The District Land Office will complete the land resumption in November 1997.
1995 22. To plan to widen the Castle Peak Road in the section between Tsuen Wan and Ka Loon Tsuen at a cost of $2illion. We engaged consultants to carry out the detailed design in June 1997 and 5% of the detailed design was completed.
1994 23. To award a franchise to build and operate the Tai Lam Tunnel and Yuen Long Approach Road sections of the Country Park Section of Route Three by the end of 1994 and to complete the project in 1998. The franchise was awarded in May 1995. As at the end of September 1997, the project is 85% complete. We are confident of meeting the overall target of completing the project in the third quarter of 1998.
1994 24. To improve traffic flow in the New Territories by building the Country Park Section of Route Three in the third quarter of 1998. As at the end of September 1997, the project is 85% complete. We are confident of meeting the overall target of completing the project in the third quarter of 1998.
1994 25. To improve traffic flow between Northeast New Territories and urban area by building Route 16. Work will start in 2001 for completion in 2004. We have completed the Environmental and Traffic Impact Assessments and 60% of the preliminary design of a dual three-lane scheme.
1994 26. To widen the Lung Cheung and Ching Cheung roads. We have completed 93% of works in Phase I and 97% in Phase II.
1994 27. To upgrade access roads to boundary crossing points.

Man Kam To: The project "New Road from Man Kam To to NT Circular Road and boundary crossing facilities expansion" is included in the Public Works Programme. We are defining the requirements for the detailed feasibility study for carrying out the project in two phases, namely for road works and boundary crossing facilities.

Sha Tau Kok: The construction works are in progress. We have completed 52% of the works.

Action in Progress: Under Review
1995 28. To relieve pressure on the existing east-west road links on Hong Kong Island by building the Central-Wanchai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link at a cost of $8.25illion. Works will start in 1997 for completion by 2005. Detailed design works are on schedule. Construction work depends on review of the Central and Wanchai Reclamation programme.
Action in Progress: Behind Schedule
1994 29. To improve traffic flow in the New Territories by building the Ting Kau Bridge by June 1997. 88% of the project work has been completed. Construction of the cable stayed Ting Kau Bridge continues to suffer unexpected delays arising from engineering problems. The bridge is expected to be completed in April 1998.
1994 30. To construct additional climbing lanes in the most congested uphill sections of Tuen Mun Road by July 1996. We have completed the works under the original contract except the outstanding section at Tai Lam (constituting about 11%) which has been ruled by the mediator as "impossible" under the original contract. A viable alternative design of the climbing lane has been developed so that the work could be completed in 2000. We have started the detailed design.


Public Transport

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. In 1997, we will encourage public bus operators to provide more bus route information, especially through information displays at bus stops and major terminals. Public bus operators have erected more than 3?00 newly designed information panels at bus stops and major terminals.
1996 2. To assist public transport operators to introduce a Smart Card system to make travelling on public transport more convenient. The system will begin in mid-1997, covering initially the MTR, KCR, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and cross-harbour bus services. A contactless Smart Card system ?the Octopus ?has been in full operation since 1 September 1997, covering MTR, KCR, LRT, and cross-harbour services of Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Citybus, and certain routes of Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry.
1996 3. To introduce legislation in 1997 to require taxi drivers to issue receipts upon request. We have identified the appropriate receipt-printing devices. The new legislation came into effect in June 1997. Taxis are required to install receipt printers by June 1998.
1996 4. To ensure the continued efficiency of the MTR system and to minimise disruption to services by encouraging the MTRC to develop a system which enables passengers taken ill to obtain help without causing unnecessary disruption to train services. A Platform Attendant Scheme whereby staff are made available in all stations to offer immediate assistance to passengers taken ill has been implemented since January 1997. Passenger education programmes are on-going.
1996 5. To ensure the continued efficiency of the MTR system and to minimise disruption to services by encouraging the MTRC to continue to re-assess and revise their maintenance arrangements in light of experience, technical developments and advice by independent experts. MTRC has put in place a mechanism to re-assess and review regularly their maintenance arrangements.
1995 6. To continue to upgrade ferry services between Tuen Mun and the urban area and increase ferry capacity by a further 10% in the next 12 months. A new catamaran was put into service in 1995. There is currently a 38% spare capacity in the Tuen Mun service during the morning peak and 59% spare capacity during the evening peak. There is no need to increase ferry capacity further. To provide a better service to commuters in Tuen Mun, we have conducted a tendering exercise for the introduction of a new route to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.
1994 7. To require improved services and ensure better monitoring of bus companies in awarding or renewing bus franchises. New franchises with improved terms were awarded to China Motor Bus (CMB), Citybus, New Lantau Bus (NLB) and KMB from 1995 to 1997.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 8. To encourage bus operators to deliver a better service to passengers by publishing service charters in 1997-98 acknowledging the rights of passengers to safe, reliable and efficient bus services at affordable prices and passengers' reciprocal obligation to comply with operators' rules and regulations. KMB published its service charter in June 1997. Other bus companies are finalising their draft service charters for publication in 1997-98.
1996 9. To ensure adequate provision of public transport services to North Lantau and the new airport, in addition to the Airport Railway, by awarding franchises to operate progressively from June 1997 six airbus routes and 19 conventional bus services. Both types of bus service will be fully operational in 1998 upon the opening of the new airport. New franchises to operate 25 new bus routes to North Lantau and the new airport were awarded in October 1996. Five new routes serving North Lantau are in operation. The whole network will be in full operation upon the opening of the new airport.
1996 10. The KCRC to improve train operations and upgrade maintenance activities through the installation of an integrated radio communication system by 1998. Installation of central equipment and base stations is completed. Installation of radio equipment on the trains and buses is in progress. The full radio communication system will be in operation by 1998.
1996 11. The KCRC to enhance passenger safety and comfort while increasing by 15% the carrying capacity of trains by refurbishing all KCR electric trains by late 1999. Out of a fleet of 29 trains, three have been refurbished and put into service.
1996 12. The KCRC to upgrade Light Rail Services in the Northwest New Territories by providing 20 more vehicles in the next two years. Four new vehicles have been delivered and put into service.
1996 13. The MTRC to upgrade signalling systems on the Kwun Tong and Island Lines by 1998 to increase its carrying capacity by 13% and 6% respectively.

Trackside conversion for the Island Line has been completed and new signalling system has been in operation from September 1997.

As for the Kwun Tong Line, installation of the upgraded signalling systems will be completed by 1998.

1996 14. To ensure the continued efficiency of the MTR system and to minimise disruption to services by encouraging the MTRC to improve their response procedures for dealing with incidents. A review of the existing procedures has been completed. The revised procedures will come into operation by end 1997.
1995 15. To install a new public announcement system and a visual information display in all LRT vehicles to assist visually impaired and deaf passengers. 85 vehicles, representing 86% of the LRT fleet, have been installed with a public announcement system and visual information display.
1995 16. The KCRC to install audible signals on escalators in all stations to assist the visually impaired. Installation of audible signals on escalators at all stations except Kowloon Station was completed. Installation at Kowloon Station will be carried out as part of the Kowloon Station renovation and expansion project (see item 19 below).
Action in Progress: Under Review
1996 17. To improve taxi services in 1997 by designating various offences, including refusal to accept hire, as fixed penalty offences. The proposal is being re-examined in the 1997 taxi policy review.
Action in Progress: Behind Schedule
1995 18. The MTRC to provide tactile guide paths in all 38 stations to assist the visually impaired by late 1996, and to convert 17 staff lifts in 14 stations by April 1996 for use by people with a disability.

Tactile guide paths have been installed in 32 stations. The remaining six stations will have tactile guide paths installed as part of the station improvement projects, scheduled for completion by mid-1998.

A total of 16 lifts in 13 stations have been converted for use by passengers. A further four lifts in three stations will be converted by mid-1998.

1994 19. To ensure the KCRC expands and improves passenger facilities at its Kowloon Station by 1997 at a cost of about $1 billion. The mid-level concourses, departure hall and shopping arcades have been open for use since March 1997. We expect to meet the revised target date of early 1998.
1994 20. To ensure the KCRC upgrades its signalling equipment by 1996 so as to expand its capacity by 25%. All detailed design and testing are completed. 65% of the upgraded signalling equipment installed. We expect to meet the revised target date of mid-1998.


Traffic Management

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To award a contract in December 1996 for the management, operation and maintenance of the Tsing Ma Control Area (TMCA) following consultation with the Chinese Government and the enactment of enabling legislation. This Control Area comprises the Lantau Link, Rambler Channel Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, Cheung Ching Tunnel and sections of the adjoining expressway. We will ensure that the selected operator performs efficiently and cost-effectively. The contract was awarded in December 1996. The Tsing Ma Control Area Ordinance was enacted in January 1997. The associated subsidiary legislations were enacted in April and May respectively. Formal signing of the contract took place on 19 May 1997. The TMCA was opened to traffic on 22 May 1997.
1996 2. In 1997, to introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Ordinance to enhance the safety of transport services for school children. To require an adult escort for private and public school buses carrying primary and kindergarten pupils. From 1 February 1997 onwards, all public and private buses carrying primary and kindergarten pupils are required to be provided with an adult escort whilst student service is in operation. This requirement is included as one of the conditions under the passenger service licence.
1996 3. In 1997, to introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Ordinance to enhance the safety of transport services for school children. To require installation of warning devices at doors and emergency exit doors in all buses and public light buses. The new requirement came into force on 1 May 1997 and is applicable to all vehicles newly registered on or after that day.
1996 4. In 1997, to introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Ordinance to enhance the safety of transport services for school children. To require installation of public announcement systems in school buses and school light buses. The new requirement came into force on 1 May 1997 and is applicable to all vehicles newly registered on or after that day.
1996 5. In 1997, to introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Ordinance to enhance the safety of transport services for school children. To introduce a new colour scheme for school light buses to make them more conspicuous. The new requirement came into force on 1 May 1997 and is applicable to all vehicles newly registered on or after that day.
1995 6. To introduce a cross boundary shuttle bus service between the Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang check-points towards the end of 1995. The service was introduced on 20 March 1997.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 7. To commission a feasibility study on Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system for completion in 1999 to enable a decision be reached on whether such a system should be introduced. The consultancy study commenced in March 1997. A transport model was developed to assess the effectiveness of using ERP to reduce traffic congestion and to evaluate possible ERP strategies. Technology options have been selected for field evaluation.
1996 8. To commission a consultancy study in 1996 to explore the feasibility of introducing bus-only lanes on a territory-wide basis. The feasibility study was commissioned in August 1996 for completion in 1998. Out of the six major bus corridors in the territory, the one from Aberdeen to Wanchai, has been selected as the trial route. Stage 1 of the trial scheme was implemented in August 1997. Detailed design for Stage 2 is in progress.
1996 9. In 1997, to introduce regulations under the Road Traffic Ordinance to enhance the safety of transport services for school children. To include stricter licensing conditions for school light buses and subsequent inclusion in the Passenger Service Licence Scheme. With effect from 1 August 1996, annual approval is required to operate school private light bus service. Preparations are in hand to include school private light bus in the passenger service licence scheme. The Road Traffic Ordinance needs to be amended.
1996 10. To ease traffic congestion by encouraging drivers of private cars to switch to public transport. We will identify a suitable parking site and launch a trial Park-and-Ride Scheme in 1997. A parking site at Sheung Shui KCR station has been allocated. Site improvement work is in progress. The contract for management of this trial Park-and-Ride Scheme by KCRC is being finalised. Trial scheme will commence in late 1997.
1996 11. To deter drivers from committing speeding offences in road tunnels by introducing legislation in 1997 to introduce demerit points for such offences. Transport Advisory Committee's support was obtained at its meeting on 22 April 1997. The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport was informed vide a paper on 5 May 1997. Drafting of the necessary amendments is in progress.
1996 12. To replace all mechanical parking meters with electronic ones equipped to use Smart Cards by 1998. Submission of tenders closed on 29 August 1997. Selection of contractor will be completed by the end of September 1997.
1995 13. To provide an Area Traffic Control (ATC) System for Sha Tin by 1997 at a cost of about $80 million. The works for the ATC System are in progress. The contract for private leased circuits for the ATC System was awarded in July 1997.
1995 14. To provide a traffic surveillance and information system on Tolo Highway by 2001. The project design consultancy has commenced. We have prepared plans for gazetting under Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance.
1994 15. To introduce further bus priority measures on certain congested roads, including the Sha Tin approach road to Tate's Cairn Tunnel (TCT) and Choi Hung Road, in 1995-96. The Secretary for the Treasury has approved the draft Entrustment Agreement with TCT Company. The draft agreement is being considered by the Company before signature.
1994 16. To spend nearly $2illion from 1994 to 1997 on a package of measures to relieve traffic congestion and improve traffic speeds. We are on course to achieve the target and have already spent over $1.6 billion.
Action in Progress: Under Review
1995 17. To complete the installation of a traffic surveillance and information system on the Tuen Mun Road by late 1997. We completed the tender assessment report for the works contract and obtained the approval of the Central Tender Board on the report in June 1996. However the related works contract could not be awarded because the request to increase Approved Project Estimate for the project was declined by Public Works Sub-committee in July 1996. When the LegCo Panel on Transport was consulted in November 1996 on the revised scope for the project, they advised that the project should be shelved and reviewed after opening of various new major road infrastructure in 1998. We have accepted this advice and will review the project accordingly.
1995 18. To consider raising First Registration Tax and Annual Licence Fees for private cars in the short term, if necessary, to control the rate of growth in the number of private cars. We intended to enact the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill before the end of the 1995-96 session to enable the raising of annual licence fees on the grounds of traffic management. However, the Bill failed to receive the support of the Bills Committee. We will examine the latest statistics and review our approach in December 1997.
1995 19. To consider raising tolls at the cross-harbour tunnels for private cars and taxis by means of a passage tax to reduce congestion both in the tunnels and on their approach roads. We intended to enact the Eastern Harbour Crossing Road Tunnel (Passage Tax) Bill before the end of the 1995-96 session to enable the raising of tolls to reduce congestion in tunnels and on their approach roads. However, the Bill failed to receive the support of the Bills Committee. We will examine the latest statistics and review our approach in December 1997.
On-going Commitments
1996 20. To monitor the effectiveness of the new drink driving legislation introduced in 1995, and consider whether, in the light of experience, there is a need to change the prescribed blood/alcohol limit. Additional information on overseas practice and updated accident statistics have been collected. The findings of the review will be presented to the Transport Panel of the Provisional Legislative Council and Transport Advisory Committee (TAC).
1996 21. To continue to improve the efficiency of the freight transport sector in 1997 by implementing the recommendations of the Freight Transport Study (FTS), which include increasing provision of parking facilities for goods vehicles and enhancing cross boundary processing facilities. The progress in implementing the recommendations was reported to TAC and LegCo Transport Panel in April and June 1997 respectively. A Working Group continues to tackle the various measures recommended to improve the efficiency of freight transport.
1996 22. To continue to monitor the effectiveness of the legislation regarding additional seat-belt requirements introduced in June 1996. A comprehensive review is being undertaken and results will be available in September 1997. Preliminary review showed that legislation had effectively enhanced road safety by reducing the number of private car rear seat passenger casualties by 17%.
1996 23. To continue to implement the recommendations of the Parking Demand Study in 1997 by increasing the provision of parking spaces, particularly for goods vehicles. The progress of implementing the recommendations was reported to TAC and LegCo Transport Panel in April and June 1997 respectively. A Working Group continues to oversee the implementation of the various recommended measures in order to provide more parking spaces, particularly for goods vehicles.


Preparing for the Transition

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To explore with the Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee (ICC) possible locations for the passenger terminal of the West Rail at Lok Ma Chau.

Consensus has been reached at ICC that the passenger terminal of the proposed rail-crossing at Lok Ma Chau should be located 1 kilometre west to the existing terminal. Technical studies are being conducted to establish the engineering feasibility of the proposed location.

Pending the completion of the new rail crossing, the ICC Working Group has facilitated implementation of increasing the handling capacity of existing crossing for non-rail passengers to 16?00 a day initially.



Progress Report