TNAG-1857-FCO40-2632-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 143

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

——————————一九八九年七月十二日

香港立法局

12 July 1989

91

that without such an MTR line, the transportation problems in that part of Hong Kong would not be easily resolved. As we are aware, the Western District is being revived as one of our major commercial and residential areas on Hong Kong Island.

I fully agree with the Green Paper that there is an urgent need for a new rail harbour crossing to meet the rapid growth demand for cross harbour passenger trips. The suggestion for an MTR harbour crossing from Yau Ma Tei to Fortress Hill as the next rail harbour crossing provides an acceptable option as it will bring relief to the heavily congested Nathan Road Corridor. Besides, the intermediate KCR/MTR interchange station at Hung Hom which is included in this designated rail harbour crossing would relieve the currently overloaded interchange at Kowloon Tong and would maximize the use of the KCR line from Kowloon Tong to Hung Hom.

Last but not the least, I would like to mention two suggestions which have not been included in the Green Paper but are worthy of our serious consideration. Sir, I am referring to reports that the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation plans to extend its rail system from Hung Hom to Happy Valley or Causeway Bay. This is a constructive suggestion which would help relieve the seemingly never-ending congestion problem at the Cross Harbour Tunnel and, at the same time, would also utilize effectively the section of the KCR line from Kowloon Tong to Hung Hom, a section which is presently under-used.

I am also aware that a light rail transit system is being proposed by the private sector to link the south of Hong Kong Island to Central through a tunnel and following a similar route to the Peak Tram. This proposal, if approved, will ease traffic demands on Hong Kong Island, especially in the densely-populated Wah Fu Estate and Pokfulam where traffic congestion is such a common eyesore. This project should therefore be encouraged and its consideration by the Government should not be delayed. We must appreciate that any private sector participation in a project of this magnitude is obviously a sign of demonstrating a full confidence in the future of Hong Kong.

Sir, it is my belief that in a society as busy as Hong Kong where every minute counts, rail expansion is an indispensable means to ensure the smooth mobility of people. Although costly, railway extensions are still worthwhile as they are essential to upkeep the quality of life in Hong Kong.

With these remarks, Sir, I support the motion.