G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL # #
XCC(80)73
20
6 -
Improved ferry services have been considered as an additional means of meeting travel demand between eastern Hong Kong Island and Central District. On 1st November 1979 the hoverferry service between Sai Wan Ho and Central District was augmented by 16 additional sailings. Agreement has now been reached for the construction of a new ferry landing at Tai Koo Shing, which will be capable of receiving larger boats than the existing pier at Sai Wan Ho. The possibility of introducing a ferry service between Chai Wan and Central has been considered but there is no suitable location in Chai Wan where a ferry pier could be constructed. It should be noted, also, that the present coastal ferry service has a very low patronage outside the peak hours, which renders such services uneconomic. Nevertheless, the possibility of further augmenting ferry services will continue to be explored with the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company Limited.
The Views of the Transport Advisory Committee
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The views of the Transport Advisory Committee were sought at its meeting on 4th March 1980. Members pointed out that the public transport priority measures, while benefiting bus and tram passengers, would cause other traffic to be disadvantaged. Nevertheless, the TAC endorsed the recommendations set out in paragraphs 18 to 20 above but suggested that, in view of the uncertainties involved, the proposed traffic management measures should be introduced on an experimental basis only. It was agreed that the Public Works Department should closely monitor the traffic situation so as to assess the effects of the introduction of these measures.
Timing
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If accepted, implementation of the scheme would take about six months to complete after approval of funds. The work involved would include such items as erecting new traffic signs, adjusting existing carriageway markings and painting bus-and tram-only lanes. Other major items of work would be the widening of Java Road at its junction with King's Road, the installation of three new sets of traffic signals, the resiting of pedestrian refuge islands and the rephasing of existing traffic signals.
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Although, if approved, these proposals would be introduced as quickly as possible, the scheme could not be completed before the end of 1980, although parts of it might come into operation earlier,
CONFIDENTIAL **
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