ENG-2009 — Page 297

Chapter 13

Transport

Hong Kong's transport system is modern and efficient, with a wide range of affordable, comfortable and safe travel options. It can easily be ranked among the best in the world.

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 Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) in December 2007.

Railway projects progressed smoothly in 2009. Services on the Tseung Kwan O Line extension to LOHAS Park Station started in July, while services along the Kowloon Southern Link connecting the East and West Rail Lines at Hung Hom Station commenced in August.

Progress was also made in the development of road networks. The last section of Route 8 between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan was open to traffic in December.

The feasibility report on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) was approved by the Central Government in October. The cost of the bridge will be financed partly by the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao governments and partly through bank loans. Construction of the bridge commenced in December and is expected to be completed by 2016.

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