Sir,
UMELCO
DRAFT SPEECH BY HON LAU WONG-FAT, MBE,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 30.7.1986
JP
Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (Amendment) Bill 1986
As a member of the Tuen Mun District, I welcome the
I am introduction of the LRT to the Northwestern New Territories. sure that this feeling is shared by most of the residents in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Districts. The LRT is a long-term investment in the future of the territory. It is a visible sign of Government's commitment to the development of the Northwest and I am sure it will promote growth and prosperity in the area that it serves.
In supporting the LRT, however, I share the concern expressed by many people in Tuen Mun about the future operation of its services, particularly in respect of the power of the
I think Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation to determine LRT fares. there must be an effective machinery to monitor the service and fares of the LRT so as to safeguard the interests of the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long residents, because they will not be able to turn to buses if they find LRT fares beyond their reach.
I accept that for good economic reasons, it would be wasteful to have another major mode of public transport duplicating LRT services. On the other hand, I do not doubt that the Board of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation would act in the best public interest, for its Board comprises of prominent and responsible members of our community, including members of this Council. However, I do feel that there is a genuine need for a body to be set up to monitor the services of the LRT from the consumer point of view. In this respect, I should stress that the effectivness of the monitoring system is definitely more important than the format
UMELCO