- 26
-
I now turn to our top three priorities for new railway systems which we plan to implement by the year 2001. We have already invited the KCRC and the MTRC to submit proposals for the Western Corridor and the Tseung Kwan O MTR extension respectively and require expert advice on how best to pursue the Ma On Shan to Tai Wai line and the Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui KCR extension. The workload is very heavy. The fact is that we have but a very small establishment of professional staff in the Railway Division in Highways Department and in my view the most cost effective way of proceeding is to engage consultants. Unfortunately our submission for $45 million was turned down by Finance Committee. I intend to revert shortly with further justification. At this point, to put this extra expenditure in perspective, the $45 million being sought is less than a meagre 0.1% of the $50 billion 1994 price tag for our top 3 priority railways.
Several Members have repeatedly requested that the Western Corridor spur line should extend to Tuen Mun Central. I am prepared to ask the KCRC to take a fresh look at this option in the context of their own studies which are being undertaken in firming up their proposals. I hope that this reassures Members that we are doing all we can to respond to the views on this matter.
Some Members have also expressed concern that other railway proposals, notably on Hong Kong Island, have not been recommended for early implementation as part of the Railway Development Strategy. But the fact is that we must prioritise our efforts, and the Administration is satisfied that the three projects already designated for early implementation, are in fact the most urgent projects and those which deserve our immediate attention. The need for other railway projects will be reviewed.
The need to provide more infrastructure for cross border traffic is high on our agenda. For example, the Western Corridor Railway will greatly improve the flow of passengers and freight across the border. The Route 3 (Country Park Section) will shorten journey times from the border to the container port. And we have on going plans to improve and upgrade our other the border road crossing points. Moreover, the Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee provides a practical working forum for discussion with our Chinese colleagues. All the signs are that a pragmatic approach will be adopted.
Mr President, may I now turn to some other points raised by Honourable Members. The Administration fully accepts that much more should be done to meet the travel needs of the disabled. Much progress has been achieved in the past 2 years. For example, all new franchised buses are now equipped with special features to make them more accessible to the elderly and the infirm, taxis are permitted to pick up and discharge disabled passengers in restricted zones, the MTRC and KCRC have installed lifts and other equipment to facilitate access. I am pleased to say the Governor will convene the third annual summit meeting on transport facilities for the disabled in early May to help identify new initiatives and to keep up the momentum.
Page 50Page 51