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TRANSPORT
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THE signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing between the Governments of China and the United Kingdom on matters related to Hong Kong's new airport projects has enabled detailed plans for construction to proceed. The airport core projects include road links and a railway which, as well as serving the airport, will provide a third line through Kowloon and across the harbour.
While the longer term options for the development of the railway network are being assessed in a study which started at the end of the year, an extension to the light rail system in Tuen Mun was commissioned in November, to be followed by two more extensions early in 1992.
Congestion on Hong Kong's roads continues to be contained by a combination of fiscal restraints, traffic management measures to improve the capacity of existing roads, and construction of new roads. In June, the Tate's Cairn Tunnel opened, which together with an extensive network of approach roads, provides a direct link from Sha Tin, through East Kowloon, to the Eastern Harbour Crossing.
The new link has substantially eased congestion at the Lion Rock Tunnel, which had become increasingly severe during the past few years. The development of the expressway encircling the New Territories continued in 1991 with the opening of a three-kilometre section near Yuen Long.
The goods vehicle fleet has grown steadily in recent years, despite partial removal of concessionary licence fees. A study of the movement of freight by all modes in Hong Kong is now in progress, with a view to recommending management measures and incentives towards efficient operating practices and planning for freight transport in the territory.
The policy of entrusting the management of transport services and infrastructure to the private sector continues to be pursued. In July, the management of the Aberdeen Tunnel was awarded to the Cross Harbour Tunnel Company Limited after competitive tendering. Management of the Kowloon Bay Motor Vehicle Examination Centre will be contracted out in 1992 and plans are in hand for other government transport services to be privatised
in future.
Despite the increasing role of railways as a major mass carrier in the public transport system, road-based public transport, including buses, public light buses and taxis, is still the major passenger carrier. Efforts continue to create a framework within which these services may better meet the rising expectations of commuters in terms of service quality. The proportion of air-conditioned buses continues to grow in response to demand. The 1990
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