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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (March 24) received briefings by the Government on the outcome of the Topical Study on franchised bus service under the Public Transport Strategy Study, and the statistics of road traffic accidents and casualties in 2014.
Members noted that the Topical Study has explored how to improve operational efficiency, service regularity and quality of franchised bus service through route rationalisation, enhanced monitoring of the lost trip situation and reaffirmation of the policy to further implement bus priority measures.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Against the background of using railway as the backbone of the public transport system, road-based public transport service will continue to play an important role to provide diversified choices for the public. In view of the rising expectations of passengers on the quality of bus service, Members trust that the continued efforts to rationalise bus routes, monitor the frequency of bus service and actively explore and implement bus priority measures will help provide quality and reliable services to the public and ensure the long-term and sustainable development of the franchised bus sector."
The TAC Members noted that the total number of road traffic accidents last year fell to 15 790 from 16 089 in 2013, while the total number of casualties dropped from 20 596 to 19 854. The number of people killed in road traffic accidents last year was 100, the lowest in the past 60 years. The past 15 years also saw an 18 per cent fall in the number of people killed and seriously injured, from 3 326 in 2000 to 2 715 in 2014.
"We note the level of road traffic casualties in Hong Kong has remained steady, with an overall downward trend of people killed and seriously injured despite the continuous growth in the population and the number of motor vehicles and the rising popularity of cycling in recent years," Mr Kwok said.
Members were also told that the Government will continue to work with the Road Safety Council and other parties concerned to enhance road safety through a three-pronged approach, namely development of comprehensive legislation and effective enforcement, provision of a safe and efficient transport infrastructure and traffic management system, and focused publicity and education.
"We hope that concerted efforts will be made continuously so that our community could take a step closer to the Hong Kong Road Safety Vision of 'Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal'," Mr Kwok added.
Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:18
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