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As regards PLBs, Government is prepared to implement generally the proposals set out in Technical Notes 22 and 23, subject to one qualification. The Commissioner for Transport considers it inadvisable to impose a complete ban on the picking-up and setting down of PLB passengers in the Tuen Mun/Yuan Long corridor. It is therefore proposed that, given the distance between LRT stations along the corridor, PLBs will be allowed to have pick-up and setting down facilities at mid-point between LRT stations.
Your proposal to adopt a 10% peak hour factor for the initial implementation programme is acceptable.
Government is agreeable to extending the Corporation's borrowing powers as you have proposed. The land question is also relatively straightforward, but as you are aware the proposed depot site in Area 19 of Tuen Mun presents a significant geotechnical problem. I believe that you are directly in touch with the advising consultants and that you will be able to provide a more accurate assessment nearer the time of the Board meeting.
The hope the information provided in this letter will be sufficient to enable you to put a firm recommendation to the Board at its next meeting.
(A.J. Scott)
Secretary for Transport