ENG-1993 — Page 277

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TRANSPORTE

A NEW franchised bus service on Hong Kong Island, the start of work on the third harbour road crossing, increased expenditure on transport infrastructure and the release of a report on future strategic rail development topped the transport agenda during the year.

To promote healthy competition in the provision of public transport services, Citybus Limited successfully took over, from the China Motor Bus Company (CMB), the operation of 24 Hong Kong Island routes and two cross-harbour tunnel routes in September. Despite initial teething problems, the new service was soon having a positive impact on the overall quality of bus services on the island. The remaining island routes continue to be operated by CMB under a new franchise.

Work began in October on the Western Harbour Crossing, linking new reclamations on both sides of the harbour, following the award of a 'build, operate and transfer' franchise to a private consortium. On completion in 1997, the crossing will provide a fast road link from Hong Kong Island, via the West Kowloon Expressway and North Lantau Express- way, to developments on Lantau Island and the new airport.

Work also began on the construction of additional climbing lanes on the Tuen Mun Highway, to improve traffic flow between the Northwest New Territories and urban Kowloon.

At the year's end, a prequalification exercise was underway to select a contractor to build the Ting Kau Bridge, which will be funded by the government. The bridge, together with the Tai Lam Tunnel and the Yuen Long Approach Road, will form the country park section of Route 3, which will provide a fast link between the border and the container port in Kwai Chung. Construction of the latter two sections of Route 3 will be privatised under a 'build, operate and transfer' franchise, tenders for which were invited on December 3.

Proposals for future railway development were mapped out in the Railway Development Study, published in April for public consultation. The study recommends that priority should be given to a Mass Transit Railway extension to Tseung Kwan O and to the construction of a railway line in the Western New Territories. This proposed railway line could accommodate a freight service between the border and the container port, long- distance passenger services to China, and commuter services to the Northwest New Territories. Public opinion collected in the consultation exercise is being assessed, before the government decides on the railway development strategy.

During the year, construction work continued on the major transport links from the new airport at Chek Lap Kok to the urban area.

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