LCQ12: Facilities connecting to Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange
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Question:
Given that travelling between the Tai Lam bus turnaround area at Pat Heung Road and the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange (TLTBBI) involves navigating steep slopes and staircases, many members of the public have relayed their aspiration that the Government should install a lift connecting the two stops for the convenience of the public (especially the elderly and persons with impaired mobility). The Government has indicated that it would consider the above proposal under the ambit of hillside escalator links and elevator systems (HELs) and would actively explore feasible solutions to facilitate the elderly's movement between the two stops. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) based on the revised assessment mechanism for HELs, whether the authorities will consider according priority to implementing the project of installing a lift at TLTBBI; if so, of the implementation timetable of the project; if not, the reasons for that; and
(2) given that the population of Yuen Long is increasing gradually and the flow of passengers using TLTBBI will increase as a result, whether the authorities will consider conducting a replanning of TLTBBI, including (a) making better use of the space of an outdoor car park nearby, and (b) in addition to lift installation, conducting feasibility studies also on the construction of covered escalators to ease the voluminous flow of passengers in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chow is as follows:
The Government has been monitoring the traffic and pedestrian situation at the interchange between Pat Heung Road and the Tai Lam Tunnel entrance, including the proposal to install Hillside Escalator Links and Elevator Systems (HEL).
(1) The Government is currently taking forward in an orderly manner 11 HEL projects selected with clearer benefits under the revised assessment mechanism introduced in 2019. The Government will continue to review the priorities of these projects having regard to the latest developments, including policy considerations and the Government's financial position. The Government will also, depending on the progress of the aforementioned projects and the allocation of available resources, follow up on and assess the unselected proposals (including the proposed installation of lift facilities at the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange (TLTBBI)) and other new proposals in a timely manner in accordance with the relevant assessment mechanism, including reviewing the pedestrian flow and design of the proposals.
(2) As set out in the Transport Strategy Blueprint, the Government will strive to enhance the supporting facilities of existing public transport services by incorporating more "people-centric" elements, thereby achieving continuous improvement in public transport services. There are over 50 franchised bus routes observing TLTBBI, enabling passengers to interchange between different bus routes to access a wider bus service network. Following the implementation of the HKeToll at Tai Lam Tunnel, which has freed up space at the original toll plaza, and in light of population changes in North West New Territories, the Transport Department (TD) proactively reviews the arrangements at the TLTBBI. This includes exploring how to optimise the design of the original toll plaza to improve the interchange's facilities and enhance its operational efficiency. The Highways Department is currently carrying out works at the toll plaza to ensure smooth traffic flow.
For convenience of the public, public parking spaces are currently provided to the west of TLTBBI, between the entrance/exit to Tai Lam Chung Country Trail and Tsing Long Highway. The Government is continuing to monitor the usage for examining the feasibility to utilise the site for other suitable purposes in the future.
Regarding the improvement works at TLTBBI, the TD is currently examining arrangements to relocate the existing bus stops to an area near the future carriageway, and extend the length of the bus stops appropriately in light of population changes in North West New Territories. In addition, the TD is also examining the feasibility of integrating TLTBBI with the bus stop on Pat Heung Road, with a view to enhancing interchange efficiency and reducing the walking distance for passengers when interchanging. The above improvement works do not require any alteration to or use of the existing public parking lot. Integrating the aforementioned bus stops will reduce the walking distance for passengers changing buses. Upon completion of the improvement works, the TD will reassess the necessity of the relevant uphill lift system proposal (including the installation of lift or the construction of covered escalator).
Ends/Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:48
Issued at HKT 11:48
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