TAC briefed on update of West Island Line and other matters
Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were updated on the planning of the MTR West Island Line (WIL) and South Island Line (SIL), as well as Route 4 at its meeting today (July 19).
Members welcomed the Government's decision to carry out further planning of and preparations for the proposed WIL, which will involve the extension of the existing MTR Island Line from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town with two intermediate stations at Sai Ying Pun and University.
Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, the Chairman of the TAC said, "The community in Western District have been asking for the extension of the Island Line to Kennedy Town. The WIL will provide a more convenient alternative to commuters in the Western District who are now relying mainly on road-based transport modes. It will reduce traffic on the road and generate significant transport and economic benefits to the community."
Members also noted that the proposed SIL would be kept under review and its way forward considered in the light of the results of the review on the planning of tourism and commercial development in the Southern District and the Government's consideration of Ocean Park's redevelopment proposal. Furthermore, the proposed Route 4 will be kept under review and its way forward considered in the light of the Government's decision on the SIL.
"As the Government is now negotiating with the MTRCL on the detailed scope, cost and implementation programme for the WIL, we hope that the agreement can be finalised as soon as possible," Ms Cheng said.
At the meeting, TAC also considered the Report of the Task Force on Emergency Transport Coordination, which was led by Ms Teresa Cheng.
"I briefed members on the findings and recommendations in my another capacity as Chairman of the Task Force. Members had a discussion on the recommendations and the implementation of the improvement measures by the Administration. We are glad to see that the Administration has responded to the relevant recommendations positively and has proposed concrete follow-up actions," Ms Cheng said.
I am sure with such a thorough review of the traffic incident on May 9 and the extensive experience gained by the Administration, the relevant parties will be able to perform a better job in handling any of such cases in the future," she added.
TAC was also briefed on the performance of the franchised bus operators in 2004. Members noted that the performance of the franchised bus operators was generally satisfactory in the last year.
The operators have made improvements in a number of areas of franchised bus services. These areas included the continuous upgrading of the bus fleet by providing more environmentally-friendly, air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible buses, and improving the provision of passenger information by installing bus announcement systems on buses or information panels at bus stops and termini," Ms Cheng said.
She said TAC expected that the franchised bus operators would face more challenges in the years ahead given the keener competition arising from the commissioning of new railways and Ngong-Ping Tung Chung Cable Car Link and the rising oil price. "To meet these challenges, the TAC urges the franchised bus operators to further enhance their operational efficiency, quality and competitiveness," Ms Cheng said.
The last item discussed at the TAC meeting today was the review of the composition, role and functions of the TAC. The item arose from some suggestions early this year to have representatives of the transport trades on the TAC.
We noted at the meeting the outcome of the review conducted by the Administration earlier about the composition, role and functions of TAC. TAC has rendered objective and professional advice on a wide range of traffic and transport issues. The fact that the members are appointed on a personal basis, without representing the interests of any particular sectors or organizations, is central to upholding the credibility and objectivity of our role," said Ms Cheng.
"We have provided neutral and balanced views bearing in mind the interests of the community at large in considering traffic and transport issues. We appreciate the transport trades' wish to have more direct channels to reflect their views. We welcome the Administration's proposal to strengthen our communication with the transport trades, such as inviting them to attend ad hoc meetings to directly reflect their views," she added.
Ends/Tuesday, July 19, 2005