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TRANSPORT
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THE major objectives of Hong Kong's transport policy are to maintain the mobility of passengers and freight in order to support economic growth and to meet the social, commercial and recreational needs of the community. This requires commitment to a continuous process of policy review, planning and investment in new infrastructure.
The White Paper on Transport Policy in Hong Kong was published in January 1990, based on the recommendations of the Second Comprehensive Transport Study and taking -account of public views on the Green Paper. It set out the government's broad transport strategy and policy intentions for the territory up to 2001. The transport policy is founded on the three principles of expanding and improving the transport infrastructure, expanding and improving public transport services, and managing the demand for road use.
A major updating of the Second Comprehensive Transport Study with the planning horizon extended to 2011 is being carried out with the objective of reviewing the recommended strategies, taking into account the decision to relocate Hong Kong's International Airport to Chek Lap Kok by 1997 and to build additional port facilities in the Western Harbour and other infrastructure proposals in Metroplan, as well as other strategic studies.
Major highway projects planned for the 1990s include the North Lantau Expressway and the Lantau Fixed Crossing which will provide a direct expressway link to the new airport; Route 3 comprising the Western Harbour Crossing and a major new highway along the West Kowloon Reclamation to the border; the Hung Hom Bypass, and Route 7 between Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town.
The current policy on public transport is to maintain a safe, comprehensive and efficient network. A wide variety of modes enables passengers to exercise a choice of service quality, speed and fares. It is recognised that the policy of restraining private car use must be supported by an increasing availability of high quality public transport, and a growing network of air-conditioned coach services is now in service.
The White Paper recognised the benefits of competition in giving an incentive for transport operators to be efficient and to identify and meet passengers' preferences.
The policy of having public transport services provided by privately-owned companies, or public corporations operating on prudent commercial principles without direct public subsidy, has been re-affirmed.
The objectives of managing road use are to improve mobility of people and goods by making effective use of road space, giving priority to the more efficient and essential road