XN000022-1995-03-22 — Page 35

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Reply:

Mr President,

The relocation of ferry piers under Phase 1 of the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation project is scheduled to take place in stages between March 1995 and early 1997. Upon completion of the project in 1997, public ferry services will be accommodated in five new permanent piers on Central Reclamation - four for the ferry services of Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry (HYF) and one for the licensed ferry service between Central and Discovery Bay.

HYF's Central to Jordan Road passenger service has been relocated to a temporary pier on the eastern edge of the reclamation with effect from 17 March 1995. Ferry routes serving Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi and the outlying islands will be relocated to new permanent piers on the northern edge of the reclamation in May 1995.

The walking distance between the existing piers and the new piers on the reclamation is estimated to be about 900 metres. However, the actual walking distance for ferry passengers will vary depending on their origin and destination. Also, passengers arriving by land transport such as buses and taxis should not be adversely affected because there are interchange facilities adjacent to the new piers. These facilities include a bus terminus and waiting areas for taxis and private cars. One bus route has already been relocated to the new bus terminus and another six bus routes will be relocated by May 1995. A well lit covered walkway leading to the ferry piers and adequate directional signs have been provided and more facilities are being constructed to provide easy and convenient access for ferry passengers. Publicity will be arranged through notices at piers, pamphlets and press releases to advise passengers of the changes.

End/Wednesday, March 21, 1995