ENG-2008 — Page 291

Chapter 13

Transport

Hong Kong's transport system is among the best in the world. It is modern, efficient and provides affordable, comfortable and safe travel on

a wide choice of carriers.

The Government provides an efficient transport infrastructure to meet the challenges of population growth and continuous development. It encourages the use of public transport by ensuring quality service. It also manages road use to reduce congestion and promote safety, and supports special measures to protect the environment in places used by public transport.

Rail is the backbone of the public transport system. The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) was formed following the merger of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) in December 2007. The network was further integrated in September through the introduction of an integrated ticketing system for single journey tickets and replacement of the former MTR/KCR interchange ticket gates by a barrier-free interchange.

Railway projects progressed smoothly in 2008. The Kowloon Southern Link, which will connect the East and West Rail Lines at the southern tip of Kowloon Peninsula, and the LOHAS Park Station, which will extend the Tseung Kwan O Line, will be completed as scheduled in 2009.

Progress was also made in the development of road networks. The section of Route 8 between Cheung Sha Wan and Sha Tin was commissioned in March and the remaining section between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan will be completed in late 2009.

The feasibility study report for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) was submitted to the Central Government for approval in December. The governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will finalise the financing arrangements for the HZMB Main Bridge. Its preliminary design is expected to commence in April 2009 for construction to start no later than 2010.

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