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Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 20):
Question:
Regarding the impact of the Kowloon Southern Link ("KSL") on other public transport services and train fares upon its commissioning in the second half of this year, will the Government:
(a) set out each of the route numbers of the services of franchised buses, public light buses or residents' coaches which need to be adjusted, together with the districts in which they are operating, and the details of such adjustments (including the routes to be cancelled); and
(b) inform this Council whether it knows if the MTR Corporation Limited will increase the fares for travelling on the West Rail from North-west New Territories to the urban areas; and whether it will extend the West Rail Line Day Pass and the West Rail Line Monthly Pass concessionary schemes, which will expire in June this year, and extend the coverage of such schemes to KSL; if so, of the details?
Reply :
President,
(a) Upon commissioning, the Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) will provide an alternative transport service for the public. The Transport Department (TD) expects a decrease in the utilisation of some franchised bus routes as some bus passengers switch to KSL. Corresponding changes have to be made with a view to maintaining efficient public transport services to cater for passengers' demand. Proposed measures in the public transport service plan (the service plan) include adjustment, modification or reduction of some franchised bus services. To tie in with these measures, we also plan to strengthen related services to provide alternative routes for passengers.
TD is consulting the relevant District Councils on the proposed adjustments to the franchised bus services. Views of District Councils and local communities will be taken into account when formulating the service plan. Details of TD's current proposed plan are at Annex.
The service plan will be implemented in a progressive manner. Upon commissioning of KSL, suggested related bus service modification will be implemented to enhance connectivity with the new rail link. Subsequently, other suggested changes will be made gradually in the light of the situation on the ground to ensure smooth implementation.
As for green minibuses (GMB), we do not foresee any significant impact on their services upon commissioning of KSL. TD will monitor the utilisation of GMB services concerned and make appropriate service adjustments where necessary.
Regarding residents' service buses, we do not foresee any impact on their services.
(b) As KSL will form a part of the MTR network, fares will be set according to the existing fare structure. KSL is expected to commence service in the third quarter of 2009. The MTR Corporation (the Corporation) will brief the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on the progress and fares of KSL before the commissioning of KSL.
West Rail Line Monthly Pass and West Rail Line Day Pass are promotion measures introduced by the pre-merger Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation to tie in with the opening of the West Rail Line, so as to encourage passengers to use the new rail line. Upon the rail merger on December 2, 2007, the Corporation extended the expiry of these promotions to June 30, 2009. The Corporation is reviewing the promotions, with a view to announcing the results of the review and the decision on whether to extend the promotions as soon as practical.
Ends/Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:31
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