ENG-2010 — Page 297

Transport 243

Aviation continued to prosper, with the passenger and cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport hitting record highs of 49.77 million travellers and 4.13 million tonnes respectively, while air services arrangements with aviation partners continued to be 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 the Civil Aviation Department, the Highways Department, the Marine Department and the Transport Department.

Transport Strategy and Policy Objectives

The Government helps 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 co-ordination of public transport services; and

• managing road use to reduce congestion and promote safety.

The Government also ensures these objectives are environmentally sustainable by searching for and supporting environmental improvement measures adopted in transport-related areas.

It has drawn up long-term transport strategies based on the recommendations of the Third Comprehensive Transport Study. Meanwhile, the objectives, promulgated in a plan entitled '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.