ENG-2003 — Page 315

TRANSPORT

thereby providing a safe, comfortable and convenient pedestrian environment conducive to relieving pressure on the narrow, crowded streets in the vicinity. It also directly interconnects the Mong Kok MTR and KCR stations, facilitating passenger interchange between the two rail systems under all weather conditions.

A study in 2001 to examine the feasibility of introducing trolleybus operation concluded that the introduction of trolleybuses was not recommended in existing built-up areas, while the possibility of trolleybus operation in new development areas could be further explored. In this connection, the merits of introducing trolleybuses among other environmentally friendly transport modes in the South-East Kowloon Development are being examined to determine the best choice of transport mode for this new development area.

Since 1993, franchised bus companies have been purchasing buses with environmentally friendly engines that meet the European emission standards (and known as 'Euro engines'). By year-end, about 78.7 per cent of the franchised buses. were equipped with Euro engines while the remaining buses were all retrofitted with catalytic converters. To improve the environment, the franchised bus companies have been deploying only Euro II or Euro III engine buses to operate routes along Yee Wo Street in Causeway Bay, the busiest shopping area on Hong Kong Island. The Government is working with the companies to deploy cleaner vehicles along other busy corridors.

To enhance passengers' comfort at public transport interchanges, the franchised bus companies and the Government have been working to improve the overall quality of the interchanges. Electronic route information panels and customer service centres have been installed at some interchanges to enhance customer service. The Government has also implemented a number of improvement works, including upgrading the physical appearance of some interchanges and improving their ventilation systems.

As part of action to minimise air pollution, since August 1, 2001 all newly registered taxis have to run on LPG to meet the tighter emission standards. Incentive schemes to encourage the early replacement of diesel light buses by LPG or electricity-driven vehicles were introduced on August 27, 2002. The Government also implemented a mandatory dynamometer smoke test for all vehicles above 5.5 tonnes with effect from January 1, 2002, if they are reported to emit excessive smoke.

Cross-boundary Traffic

Overall Cross-boundary Traffic

In 2003, the cross-boundary vehicular traffic flow averaged 35 800 vehicles a day, 6 per cent higher than in the previous year. The overall cross-boundary passenger traffic by rail, road and ferry decreased by 3 per cent, comprising 332 000 passengers a day.

Rail Service to Lo Wu

Lo Wu, the only rail boundary crossing to the Mainland, which operates between 6.30 am and midnight every day, handled an average of 233 000 passengers daily in 2003. During festive seasons, the daily volume of passengers exceeded 266 000. A number of improvement projects at the Lo Wu Boundary Control Point are in progress, including

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