ENG-2018 — Page 259

Chapter 14

Transport

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

The Transport and Housing Bureau, headed by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, formulates policies on 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, Highways Department, Marine Department and Transport Department.

Transport Strategy and Policy Objectives

The government aims to provide a safe, efficient, reliable and environment-friendly transport system that meets the community's economic, social and recreational needs, 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 coordination and, together with the operators, the quality of public transport services; and

managing road use to reduce congestion and promote safety.

The government ensures these objectives are environmentally sustainable by supporting environmental improvement measures, and bases its public infrastructure plans on sustainable development principles. The environmental impact of new transport projects, during both construction and operation, is monitored closely and environmental mitigation measures are implemented where necessary.

Together with transport operators, the government also acts to reduce the adverse impact of road-based transport on the environment, including rationalising bus routes and deploying more environment-friendly buses.

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