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system.
(8)
is advantageous
(g)
environmentally.
is a major source of noise and fumes.
(h)
is cushioned against changes in oil fuel supplies.
(h)
(1)
would operate on protected rights of ways and be safer
in use.
(j) would be seen both
locally and overseas
an expression of confidence in Hong Kong, and would
provide a robust frame- work for the expansion of the Western New Territories.
is totally dependent on oil fuel supplies.
(1) would operate in mixed
traffic or on dedicated bus lanes with the same accident risk potential as other bus services.
(j)
is likely to be equated with a general lack of confidence. At best, is seen as a withdrawal of commitment and as giving "second best" to residents of the Western New Territories and will not specifically en- courage future develop- ment in the region.
If short term considerations only are to be taken into account, the Government should abandon the LRT scheme. However, capital initial investment costs are not the only considerations: longer term strategic issues, and the quality of public transport, and political considerations should also
be taken into account.
•
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The proposals of the six consortia indicate that a high quality rail service with the user convenience of a tram but the protected tracks and service quality of a conventional railway can be provided at a cost
cost implying fare levels aceptable to passengers. Government's direct contribution to the provision of the system would be limited to resumption clearance and alignment formation at A cost of about $16 million per kilometre, as already planned in the development programmes. To provide an equivalent standard bus system would cost as much or more.
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It ig accordingly recommended that the decision of 1979 to provide an LRT as the core transport be endorsed.
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