XN000022-1995-03-29 — Page 93

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Bus services for Tai Po and North District

Following is a question by the Hon Tik Chi-yuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the continuing population growth in the New Territories North and Tai Po districts which has led to an increasing demand for external transport services, will the Government inform this Council whether there are plans to expand the number of external bus routes serving these two districts?

Reply:

Mr President,

At present, there are 31 Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) routes serving the North District and Tai Po. 20 of these routes operate within the New Territories whilst 11 routes provide services to Hong Kong Island and urban Kowloon. In total 160 buses are deployed on the 11 external routes. In addition, nine residential coach services also run to the urban areas. Overall the bus services now provided can cope with existing passenger demand.

There are plans to increase the frequency and carrying capacity of public bus services over the next two years to cope with the anticipated growth in demand. KMB's route development programme envisages that 18 new buses will be added and higher capacity buses will also be deployed to serve the two districts. The Transport Department will monitor the situation closely.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995