15
TRANSPORT
212
THE first signs of the massive new transport infrastructure to be built under the airport core programme appeared during the year when works commenced on the Lantau Fixed Crossing and reclamations in West Kowloon and North Lantau.
Of the 10 airport core projects, six are related to transport links, the Western Harbour Crossing, the West Kowloon Expressway, the Tsing Yi section of Route 3, the Lantau Fixed Crossing, the North Lantau Expressway and the Airport Railway.
The growth in the number of vehicles on Hong Kong's roads is continuing at a high rate. However, traffic conditions did not deteriorate generally during the year as new roads and improved traffic management techniques enhanced capacity.
The need for the continued expansion of road and rail infrastructure, and the management of vehicle growth in the longer term were confirmed by a study to update the Second Comprehensive Transport Study that was completed by mid-1992. Since road transport accounts for two-thirds of all public transport journeys, the maintenance of bus speeds is an important objective. Greater efficiency in the movement of freight by road, rail and sea will also play a part in alleviating road congestion. In this regard, a Freight Transport Study will report its findings in early 1993. The objective of efficient use of limited road space is complemented by the policy of encouraging the use of railways as a mass carrier. A Railway Development Study has been commissioned to draw up a railway development programme up to 2011. The report on the study will be available in early 1993.
Emphasis continues to be placed on improving the efficiency with which transport and related services are delivered to the public. The Transport Department has continued its programme to contract out the management of certain services which are better provided by the private sector. During the year contracts were awarded for the management of the new Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre, and the four remaining government-run road tunnels. A contract for the management of a new cross-border coach terminal will be awarded in 1993, and preparatory work is proceeding to contract out the management of parking meters.
Changes were made during the year to the bus franchising arrangements, with the aim of promoting healthy competition. In June, the government invited tenders for a franchise to operate 26 bus routes taken away from China Motor Bus Company (CMB)'s current network. The franchise was awarded to Citybus Limited and the new services will start in September 1993.