ENG-2007 — Page 285

Transport | 233

governments of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao are now discussing the financial arrangements for the project.

Implementation of the Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy continued during the year. The scheme calls for deploying advanced information and telecommunication technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness of the transport system in Hong Kong. It features two core projects -the Transport Information System, which is under development, and the Journey Time Indication System, which is already operating on Hong Kong Island and is being expanded to Kowloon.

On the civil aviation front, the passenger and cargo throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport set new records, while the air services arrangements with aviation partners were substantially liberalised during the year.

Administrative Framework

The Transport and Housing Bureau of the Government Secretariat, headed by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, is responsible for, among other matters, the formulation of policies on matters relating to Hong Kong's internal and external transport, including land transport, maritime transport and logistics, and air services. The bureau is supported by a number of departments, namely the Civil Aviation Department, the Highways Department, the Marine Department and the Transport Department.

Transport Strategy and Policy Objectives

The Government helps to provide a safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly transport system that meets the economic, social and recreational needs of the community, and is capable of supporting sustainable development in Hong Kong. It does this by:

• expanding and improving the transport infrastructure in a timely manner;

improving the quality and coordination of public transport services; and managing road use to reduce congestion and promote safety.

The Government also ensures these objectives are achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner by seeking and supporting environmental improvement measures adopted in transport-related areas.

It has drawn up long-term transport strategies that ensure a safe, efficient and reliable transport system based on the recommendations of the Third Comprehensive Transport Study. Meanwhile, the transport objectives, promulgated in 'Hong Kong Moving Ahead: A Transport Strategy for the Future' include:

• better integration of transport and land use planning;

• better use of railways as the backbone of the passenger transport system;

• better public transport services and facilities;

• better use of advanced technologies in transport management; and

⚫ better environmental protection.

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