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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (September 28) on franchised bus route planning and development.
"TAC members noted that franchised bus operators and Transport Department would consider various factors in bus route planning, such as the Guidelines on Service Improvement and Reduction in Bus Route Development Programmes, the needs of the travelling public, co-ordination with other transport modes, environmental concerns, the availability of bus resources and any other relevant factors," TAC Chairman Ms Teresa Cheng said.
"The TAC has high expectations that the franchised bus operators will continue to improve and tailor their services to meet changes in demand and other public expectations," Ms Cheng said.
Members were also briefed on the arrangements and procedures for handling emergency works for public roads by the Highways Department during the typhoon and rainy season, and how it supports other relevant departments in handling emergency incidents during severe weather conditions.
To achieve better co-ordination of emergency works, four Emergency Control Centres under the Highways Department, supported by engineering and technical staff standing by round-the-clock on a roster basis, would be activated during adverse weather conditions. They work closely with other parts of the Administration in the handling of emergency incidents.
"The TAC appreciated the efforts of the Highways Department and all personnel concerned in handling emergency works. The emergency works on public roads performed by the Highways Department in adverse weather conditions are an important part of the overall efforts of the Administration in handling emergency incidents during inclement weather. It is essential in ensuring that the road network is operational and enabling the territory to resume normal business as soon as possible," Ms Cheng said.
TAC members were also briefed on railway station design and how local history and cultural elements have been incorporated into the design.
Members noted the past development of railway station design; how railway stations were first designed with practical function, then gradually transformed into venues displayed with local art, history and cultural elements with a view to bringing some colours to the hectic and busy lives of Hong Kong people.
"TAC members were briefed on the concept of railway station design for five new railway lines which are under construction and planning including the West Island Line, the Hong Kong section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the South Island Line (East), the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the Sha Tin to Central Link," Ms Cheng said.
"The TAC believes that in designing future railway stations, the MTRCL should continue developing the concept of station design to bring in elements to reflect the local history and culture and adding colours to the commuters," she said.
Ends/Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:41
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