ENG-2011 — Page 295

Chapter 13

Transport

Widely regarded as one of the best in the world, Hong Kong's public transport system provides comprehensive, comfortable and safe travel options at affordable prices.

The Government provides an efficient transport infrastructure to meet the challenges of population growth and continuous development. It encourages use of public transport by ensuring quality service while managing road use to reduce congestion and promote safety. It also 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) operates the railway system in Hong Kong.

Development of new railway projects progressed smoothly in 2011. Construction of the West Island Line and the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link continued. The Kwun Tong Line Extension and the South Island Line (East) commenced construction in May 2011 for completion in 2015. Planning for the Sha Tin-to-Central Link was also proceeding. The advance works for building the Sha Tin-to-Central Link started in May 2011.

Works in respect of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), including the Main Bridge and local works in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), progressed well. Funding for local works has been approved by the Legislative Council and the works commenced in late 2011 for commissioning in 2016.

Implementation of an intelligent Transport Systems Strategy continued during the year. A mobile website and mobile application 'Hong Kong eTransport' for point- to-point public transport route enquiries as well as a website for searching driving routes were all launched in 2011.

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