Chapter 14

Transport

Hong Kong's public transport system, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, provides comprehensive, comfortable and safe travel options at affordable prices.

Administrative Framework

The government's Transport and Housing Bureau, headed by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, formulates policies on 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, Highways Department, Marine Department and Transport Department.

Transport Strategy and Policy Objectives

The government aims to provide a safe, efficient, reliable and environment-friendly transport system that meets the community's economic, social and recreational needs, 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 coordination and, together with the operators, the quality of public transport services; and

• managing road use to reduce congestion and to promote safety. The government also ensures these objectives are environmentally sustainable by supporting environmental improvement measures in transport-related areas. The government bases its plans for public infrastructure projects on sustainable development principles. Together with the operators, it also takes a range of measures to reduce the adverse impact on the environment of road-based transport, including the rationalisation of bus routes and the deployment of more environment-friendly buses.

The environmental impact of new transport projects, during both their construction and operation phases, is monitored closely. Environmental mitigation measures are implemented where necessary to reduce this impact.

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