XN000022-1995-12-18 — Page 2

1.

Transport study for new airport

A government commissioned Transport Study for the New Airport (TRANSNA) recommended that the Airport Railway would be the principal mode of transport to Lantau, said the Deputy Secretary for Transport, Mr Isaac Chow.

"In addition to feeder services to the Airport Railway, a wide range of choices of public transport services will be provided," he added.

At a press conference today (Monday) on TRANSNA which outlined the proposed public transport strategy, Mr Chow explained that the study was aimed at developing a strategy for the provision of public transport services to the new airport and Lantau for the period from 1997 to 2006.

"The study has resulted in the drawing up of a number of preliminary proposals covering a wide range of transport modes and taking into account passenger demand, financial viability, public acceptability and fare levels," he noted.

Mr Chow emphasised that the Government would conduct an extensive public consultation exercise during which the preliminary proposals would be presented to Transport Advisory Committee, District Boards, the LegCo Panel on Transport, the Sub-committee on Traffic and Transport of the Airport Consultative Committee and other main airport users and transport operators.

"The Government will take into account comments and views of various sectors in finalising the study recommendations," he said.

He pointed out that according to the proposed public transport strategy, Airbuses, conventional buses, high-speed ferries and taxis including urban, New Territories and Lantau taxis would complement the Airport Railway. On the Airport Railway, Mr Chow said it would consist of two separate services, the Airport Express Line (AEL) and the Lantau Line (LAL).

"The AEL will provide a high quality premium fare service for air passengers, greeters and well-wishers. It will run from Central to the new airport with two stops at Tsing Yi and West Kowloon Reclamation.

"The LAL will provide a conventional MTR service for airport workers and people living and working on Lantau. There will be six stations, providing access to the bus and rail lines in the urban area," he said.