ENG-1998 — Page 295

CHAPTER 14 TRANSPORT

DENSE urban development, the growth of new towns and sustained activity continue to place heavy demands on Hong Kong's transport system. Careful co-ordination and management are needed to ensure the smooth and efficient movement of people and goods. This involves a programme to expand transport infrastructure, to improve public transport services, to manage road use, and to improve road safety.

Major developments in 1998 included the start of operation of the $34 billion Airport Railway, which is an integral part of the public transport links to the new airport and Tung Chung new town. The $7 billion Country Park Section of Route 3 and the $3.7 billion Ting Kau Bridge were completed in May. Other new railway projects under planning include West Rail (Phase I), the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Tseung Kwan O Extension, the Ma On Shan to Tai Wai rail link, the extension of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui, and the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau spur line. These projects will cost more than $120 billion and will be completed between 2002 and 2004.

The Star Ferry Company Limited's franchise was extended for 10 years and a new franchise was awarded to the New World First Bus Services Limited to operate on Hong Kong Island from September 1, 1998. The franchised routes of Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company Limited (HYF) have been put out to tender so that these services will continue to be provided by different licensed operators after HYF's franchise expires on March 31, 1999.

A trial Park and Ride scheme was introduced at Sheung Shui to encourage drivers to switch to public transport. A new stored value card, called e-Park card, was introduced in April for use on electronic parking meters. Legislative amendments for mandatory fitting of higher standard mudflaps and for updating the standards of seat belts were implemented in June and August.

The construction was announced of Hong Kong's largest port facility, Container Terminal No. 9 on Tsing Yi Island. Phase I of the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal commenced operation in October 1998 to enhance cargo services on the river trade. A radar station was brought into operation at Mirs Bay in October to aid shipping traffic movement.

Administrative Framework

The Transport Bureau of the Government Secretariat, headed by the Secretary for Transport, is responsible for overall policy formulation, direction and co-ordination of land transport and ferry services. The Secretary is assisted by the Transport Advisory Committee, which advises the Chief Executive in Council on major

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