Introduction

Twelve million commuter trips are made in Hong Kong every day. Nine out of ten trips are made on public transport. With an accident fatality rate of 0.026 per 1 000 population, Hong Kong has one of the safest road networks in the world. The number of fatal accidents in 2002 162 was the lowest in the past 43 years.


WITH a growing population and continuous development, moving people and goods around in Hong Kong has always been a great challenge. The Government has to ensure that this is carried out in accordance with sustainable development principles. It involves the planning and implementation of the further expansion and improvement of the transport infrastructure, with emphasis on railways; further promoting the use of public transport services by maintaining their quality and improving their coordination; effectively managing road use to reduce congestion and promote safety; and continuing to support environmental improvement measures in transport-related areas.

    Three of the six existing bus franchises are due to expire in mid-2003. They are the franchises of Citybus Limited (Airport and North Lantau bus network), Long Win Bus Company Limited and New World First Bus Services Limited. These three bus companies have proved that they are capable of providing proper and efficient bus services and are willing to invest to improve their operation. In line with the practice in considering applications by existing operators for new franchises, each of the three bus companies has been granted a new franchise of about 10 years, which will commence upon expiry of the relevant existing franchise.

    There were significant achievements in railway development in 2002. The Tseung Kwan O Extension project was completed by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and opened in August, four months ahead of the original schedule. The MTRCL also continued its platform screen door retrofitting works at six stations between Prince Edward and Admiralty for completion by 2003. Meanwhile, the West Rail project of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) was on target for completion in 2003 while the KCRC's Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link and the Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui Extension were making good progress. Both projects are targeted for completion in 2004. Construction of the MTRCL's Penny's Bay Rail Link has commenced and is targeted for completion in 2005. In June, the Government decided to proceed with the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line with a view to completing the project before mid-2007 to meet the growing demands of cross-boundary passenger traffic and to ease congestion at Lo Wu.

    In response to the Government's tender invitation, the KCRC and the MTRCL submitted their proposals for the Shatin to Central Link in July 2001. Following a thorough assessment of the proposals, the Government decided in June 2002 to award the SCL project to the KCRC. The preliminary planning and design of the project is ongoing. Detailed planning and design of the Kowloon Southern Link commenced in September. The Government's assessment of the MTRCL's Island Line Extensions proposal is in its final stage. Results of the assessment are expected to be available in early 2003.

    During the year, construction of several major road projects began, including Route 9 (Cheung Sha Wan and Sha Tin section) and Route 9 (Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan section), Chok Ko Wan Link Road (Penny's Bay section), upgrading of Ting Kok Road between Tai Po Industrial Estate and Shuen Wan Chan Uk, and widening of Sai Sha Road between Kam Ying Road and the future Trunk Road T7 Junction. The detailed design for the Shenzhen Western Corridor and the Deep Bay Link also started.

    In traffic management, a comprehensive Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Strategy, which sets out a plan for the deployment of advanced information and telecommunication technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency, reliability and user and environmental friendliness of the transport system in Hong Kong, was finalised in early 2001. The Government has commenced the implementation of two core projects under the ITS Strategy a Transport Information System and a Journey Time Indication System.

    A number of legislative amendments were implemented in 2002 to promote road safety. With effect from July 1, all drivers are required to turn on their vehicle headlamps during the hours of darkness or in conditions of poor visibility. A driver improvement scheme was launched on September 6, to enable drivers to attend to and rectify their problematic driving attitude and behaviour. The legislation to extend the seat belt requirement to the passenger seats of public light buses was passed by the Legislative Council in November, and the Government is preparing for its implementation in August 2004.