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Following is a question by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the progress in extending the operating hours of the Lok Ma Chau Crossing for travellers;

(b) of the measures to enhance the provision of the shuttle bus service at the Lok Ma Chau Crossing on Sundays and public holidays; and

(c) whether it will consider designating public bus or public light bus routes from Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi to Lok Ma Chau, so that it will be more convenient for residents of Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi to use the Lok Ma Chau Crossing?

Reply :

Madam President,

(a) Currently, the Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang Boundary Crossing is already open to goods vehicles 24 hours daily. But it is only open to buses and private cars from 7 am to 9 pm daily. We have put forward proposals to the Mainland side for extending the operating hours for other types of vehicles. The matter is being pursued.

(b) The Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang shuttle bus service is available from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm daily, at a 15 minute frequency. Depending on passenger demand, the operating frequency of this shuttle service can be strengthened, from every 10 - 15 minutes to one departure every 3.5 minutes.

(c) At present, five direct cross-boundary coach services have been authorised to operate from Tsuen Wan/Tsing Yi to Shenzhen via the Lok Ma Chau Crossing. In addition, seven franchised bus routes are linking up Tsuen Wan/Tsing Yi with various KCR East Rail stations, where passengers can interchange to cross the boundary at Lowu. Overall, the level of public transport services now provided can cope with passenger demand and at this stage, we have no plan to introduce a new public bus or public light bus service from Tsuen Wan/Tsing Yi to Lok Ma Chau. Transport Department will nevertheless monitor the situation and make adjustments to service levels in accordance with changes in demand.

End/Wednesday, July 15, 1998

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