252 Transport
The aviation industry continued to do well, the passenger and cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport were 52.75 million travellers and 3.94 million tonnes respectively, while air services arrangements with aviation partners were further liberalised during the year.
Administrative Framework
The Transport and Housing Bureau of the Government Secretariat, headed by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, is responsible for, among other things, the formulation of policies on matters relating to Hong Kong's internal and external transport, including land transport, maritime transport and logistics, and air services. The bureau is supported by the Civil Aviation Department, the Highways. Department, the Marine Department and the Transport Department.
Transport Strategy and Policy Objectives
The Government helps provide a safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly transport system that meets the economic, social and recreational needs of the community, and that is capable of supporting sustainable development in Hong Kong. It does this by:
expanding and improving the transport infrastructure in a timely manner;
• improving the quality and co-ordination of public transport services; and
managing road use to reduce congestion and to promote safety.
The Government also ensures that these
ensures that these objectives are environmentally sustainable by searching for, and supporting, environmental improvement measures adopted in transport-related areas.
It has drawn up long-term transport strategies based on the recommendations of the Third Comprehensive Transport Study. Meanwhile, the objectives, promulgated in a plan entitled 'Hong Kong Moving Ahead: A Transport Strategy for the Future' include:
⚫ better integration of transport and land use planning;
• better use of railways as the backbone of the passenger transport system;
• better public transport services and facilities;
• better use of advanced technologies in transport management; and
• better environmental protection.
Railway Development and Railway Development Strategy 2000
Railways are safe, efficient, reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly mass carriers. They play a key role in Hong Kong's transport systems strategy and the Government gives high priority to railway development. The Railway Development Strategy 2000 (RDS 2000), which provides a blueprint for the next phase of railway development, includes a number of new railway schemes to meet