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In the case of the MTRC, there has been a good deal of renovation work; additional ramps at stations have been provided; staff lifts have been converted for use by wheelchair users, and the Wheelchair Aid scheme has been put to good use. As a result, all but three MTR stations are now accessible from street to platform - to wheelchair users. I think this is an extremely welcome development.
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For those with visual problems, the MTR is providing 'tactile guide paths' at all of its stations and it plans to install audible warning devices at all escalators. Passenger information display units are also being installed at all station entrances and I think that should be particularly helpful to those who are audibly impaired.
The MTRC has also established clear design guidelines for new stations and new trains. This will ensure that in future, purpose-built facilities will automatically be provided to facilitate travel by those with a disability.
In the case of the KCRC, at all but one of the LRT and KCR stations, all passengers, including wheelchair-users, may gain access to the platform from the street, either directly or by means of a lift or a ramp.
The KCR's recent efforts have therefore focused on improving the facilities at its stations and on its trains. Improvements include the provision of audible devices for escalators, induction-loop intercom systems, tactile guide paths, audible door- opening signals on trains, and door-closing signals on platforms.
On the LRT system the installation of digital announcement and electronic information displays inside vehicles is well under way and should be completed early next year. Plans are also being made to widen LRT platforms for easier access by wheelchair users and the general public.
Moving on now to bus services. At our last meeting we expressed the hope that a trial scheme for the introduction of low-floor buses could be devised as soon as possible.
Both Kowloon Motor Bus and Citybus have taken delivery of their first super low-floor single-decker buses which are fitted with access ramps for use by wheelchair passengers. These have been operating on a trial basis on selected routes. Indeed, they are outside this building today and we will have the opportunity to have a good look at them later this afternoon.
Both companies plan to expand their services with this type of bus and they will be introducing more such buses to their routes in the new year. They have also ordered a prototype super low-floor double-decker bus for trial operation on their
routes.