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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed by the management of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) at a meeting today (July 21) on the progress and fares of Kowloon Southern Link .
"As the project is an extension of the MTR system, we note that MTRCL has decided to follow the existing fare structure in setting its fares," TAC Chairman Ms Teresa Cheng Yuek-wah said.
TAC was updated on train operation details and operational readiness of the rail link. Upon commissioning of the link, the frequency of trains on the West Rail Line during peak hours will be enhanced, from a headway of three and a half minutes to three minutes.
ˇ§We note that the link will enhance Hong Kongˇ¦s rail network by connecting the East Rail Line and West Rail Line. We understand that train service arrangements will be adjusted when the terminuses of the two lines are moved to Hung Hom Station, and that MTRCL will adopt measures to enable passengers to become familiar with the new arrangements,ˇ¨Ms Cheng said.
TAC was also briefed on the performance of franchised bus operators in 2008, noting that their performance was generally satisfactory.
ˇ§The franchised bus operators have made improvements in a number of service areas, including the continuous enhancement of their fleet with more environmentally-friendly, air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible buses, and installing diesel particulate filters on Euro II and III buses to reduce emission,ˇ¨ Ms Cheng said.
ˇ§They have also implemented a number of measures to enhance the safety of passengers. These include completion of the retrofitting of seatbelts on the exposed seats at the front row of the upper deck of post-1997 design buses, strengthening the upper deck windscreens and continuous retrofitting of black boxes on buses.ˇ¨
ˇ§To meet future challenges, we urge operators to further enhance their operational efficiency, service quality and competitiveness," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:11
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