In planning for transport infrastructure projects, the Government is guided by sustainable development principles. It strives to ensure a better integration of transport provision with land use planning so as to reduce the number of trips generated. It is also the Government's policy to accord priority to railways so that they would become the backbone of the transport system. In the next few years, one railway line or extension will come into operation almost every year until 2007.

    Less reliance on road-based transport will alleviate the pressure on transport systems and, in turn, lessen the impact on the environment. At the same time, greater emphasis will be placed on the needs of pedestrians. Separation of pedestrians from vehicular traffic will help reduce the impact of vehicle emissions and noise pollution on pedestrians.

    The environmental impact of new transport projects both during the construction and the operation phases is also being carefully examined. Environmental mitigation measures are implemented where necessary to minimise the environmental impact of transport projects. These include landscaping, artificial contouring of surrounding hillsides, depressed roads, laying of noise-reducing road surfacing and the installation of noise barriers or other noise insulation methods.

    To improve the environment for pedestrians, more pedestrian walkway systems are being planned and implemented. They help minimise conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as beautifying the environment for pedestrians. In 2001, a preliminary feasibility study was commissioned to study the proposed elevated walkway linking Wan Chai and Admiralty.

    In 2001, a study was completed to identify suitable areas for devising pedestrian schemes in Central, Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei and Sham Shui Po. Arising from the study's recommendations, pedestrian schemes have been implemented in certain streets, including Theatre Lane, Chiu Lung Street, and the Lan Kwai Fong area in Central; Johnston Road in Wan Chai; Nanking Street and Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei; and Apliu Street and Fuk Wa Street in Sham Shui Po.

    Pedestrian schemes have also been introduced in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, and there have been significant improvements in the overall environment for pedestrians at these locations.

    Upon completion of a study in 2001 to examine the feasibility of introducing trolleybus operation, it was concluded that the introduction of trolleybuses was not recommended in existing built-up areas, while the possibility of trolleybus operation in new development areas could be further explored. In this connection, the merits of introducing trolleybuses among other environmentally friendly transport modes in the South-East Kowloon Development are being examined to determine the best choice of transport mode for this new development area.

    Since 1993, franchised bus companies have been purchasing buses with environmentally friendly engines that meet the European emission standards and are known as 'Euro Engines'. By year-end, about 73.8 per cent of the franchised buses were equipped with these engines while the remaining pre-Euro buses were all retrofitted with catalytic converters. To improve the environment, the franchised bus companies had deployed only Euro II and Euro III engine buses to operate routes along Yee Wo Street in Causeway Bay, the busiest shopping area on Hong Kong Island.

    To enhance passengers' comfort at bus termini, the franchised bus companies have been working closely with the Government to improve the management and the overall quality of the termini. During the year, the Government also implemented a number of improvement works, including the award of management contracts for 14 public transport interchanges and commencement of the design work to upgrade the physical appearance and ventilation systems of some interchanges.

    From August 1, 2001, all newly registered taxis have to run on LPG, to meet the tighter emission standards. Incentive schemes to encourage the early replacement of diesel light buses by LPG or electricity-driven vehicles were introduced on August 27.

    To combat the problem caused by vehicle exhaust emissions, the Government implemented a mandatory dynamometer smoke test for all vehicles above 5.5 tonnes with effect from January 1, 2002, if they are reported to emit excessive smoke.