Minutes of the 6th Meeting of
Traffic and Transport Committee (2014-15)
Central and Western District Council
Date
:
29 January 2015 (Thursday)
Time
:
2:30 pm
Venue
:
Conference Room
14/F., Harbour Building
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong
Present: Chairlady
Ms CHENG Lai-king*
Vice-Chairman
Mr HUI Chi-fung
(2:32 pm – 5:12 pm)
Members
Mr CHAN Chit-kwai, BBS, JP*
Mr CHAN Choi-hi, MH*
Mr CHAN Ho-lim, Joseph
(2:37 pm – 3:22 pm,
4:35 pm – 5:21 pm)
(2:30 pm – 5:40 pm)
(2:52 pm – 5:22 pm)
(2:30 pm – 5:35 pm)
(2:44 pm – 5:15 pm)
Mr CHAN Hok-fung, MH
Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, JP
Mr CHEUNG Yick-hung, Jackie
Mr IP Kwok-him, GBS, JP
Mr KAM Nai-wai, MH*
Dr Malcolm LAM
(2:30 pm – 3:25 pm)
Mr LEE Chi-hang, Sidney*
Miss LO Yee-hang*
Miss SIU Ka-yi*
Mr MAN Chi-wah, MH*
Mr NG Siu-keung, Thomas, MH, JP*
Mr WONG Kin-shing*
Mr YIP Wing-shing, BBS, MH, JP*
Co-opted Members
Mr CHAN Tsz-kwan*
Mr CHAN Wing-ho*
Mr LEE Ching-hang
Mr LEUNG King-yue, Alex
Mr WONG Sai-kit*
Mr YEUNG Hoi-wing
Remarks:
*
( )
(2:35 pm – end of the meeting)
(2:50 pm – 4:02 pm)
(2:37 pm – end of the meeting)
Members who attended the whole meeting
Time of attendance of Members
-1-
Guests
Item 4
Mr CHIU Cheuk-siu
Senior Engineer 2/Central Wanchai Bypass,
Highways Department
Senior Resident Engineer, AECOM Asia
Company Limited
Project Manager, Leighton Contractors (Asia)
Limited
Mr YU Hing-wai
Mr Bob YEUNG
Item 5
Mr NG Hon-lai, Patrick
Chief Transport Officer/Bus and Railway
Branch, Transport Department
Senior Transport Officer/Bus and Railway
Branch, Transport Department
Planning and Scheduling Manager, Citybus
Limited/New World First Bus Services
Limited
Senior Planning Officer, Citybus Limited/New
World First Bus Services Limited
Public Affairs Manager, Citybus Limited/New
World First Bus Services Limited
Assistant Manager, Planning & Development,
Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933)
Limited
Manager, Community Affairs, Kowloon Motor
Bus Company (1933) Limited
Mr CHIU Ho-ming, Curtis
Mr Simon WONG
Mr Brian NG
Mr Kevin LI
Ms Peggy WONG
Mr Frankie WONG
Item 6
Mr WONG Chak-kwan, Byon
Mr Simon WONG
Mr Brian NG
Mr Kevin LI
Mr Roger MA
Ms Peggy WONG
Mr Frankie WONG
Item 7
Mr TAM Chi-sing
Senior Transport Officer/Bus Development/Hong
Kong 1, Transport Department
Planning and Scheduling Manager, Citybus
Limited/New World First Bus Services
Limited
Senior Planning Officer, Citybus Limited/New
World First Bus Services Limited
Public Affairs Manager, Citybus Limited/New
World First Bus Services Limited
Manager (Traffic), New World First Bus Services
Limited
Assistant Manager, Planning & Development,
Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933)
Limited
Manager, Community Affairs, Kowloon Motor
Bus Company (1933) Limited
Engineer/Consultants Management 3,
Water Supplies Department
Senior Resident Engineer, AECOM
Mr CHAN Wai-tong, Tommy
-2-
Mr CHOW Man-chung, Chris
Item 8
Mr LOK Chun-chung, Francis
Mr CHAN Kwong-ming
Resident Engineer, AECOM
Engineer/Central and Western 1,
Transport Department
Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team
(Central District), Hong Kong Police Force
Item 9
Miss LEUNG Cheuk-lam, Shirley Engineer/Central and Western 3,
Transport Department
Mr LAU Wing-fu
Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team
(Western District), Hong Kong Police Force
Item 10
Miss TSUI Shuk-ting, Yvonne
Item 11
Mr David WONG
Senior Transport Officer/Central and Western,
Transport Department
Operations Manager, Hong Kong Tramways
Item 12
Mr LAM Shu-kee, Philip
Miss TSUI Shuk-ting, Yvonne
Item 13
Mr LAM Shu-kee, Philip
Engineer/Central and Western 2,
Transport Department
Senior Transport Officer/Central and Western,
Transport Department
Engineer/Central and Western 2,
Transport Department
Item 14
Mr LAM Shu-kee, Philip
Engineer/Central and Western 2,
Transport Department
Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team
(Central District), Hong Kong Police Force
Senior Security Manager, Estates Office,
The University of Hong Kong
Mr CHAN Kwong-ming
Mr Teddy WONG
In Attendance:
Miss CHOW Ho-kiu, Cheryl, JP
Mr CHAN Yun-man, Winston
Ms WONG Ming-wai
Ms YU Yan-yan, Rosanna
Miss TSUI Shuk-ting, Yvonne
-3-
District Officer (Central and Western)
Assistant District Officer (Central and Western)
Senior Executive Officer (District Council),
Central and Western District Office
Senior Executive Officer (District Management),
Central and Western District Office
Senior Transport Officer/Central and Western,
Transport Department
Mr LOK Chun-chung, Francis
Engineer/Central and Western 1,
Transport Department
Mr LAM Shu-kee, Philip
Engineer/Central and Western 2,
Transport Department
Miss LEUNG Cheuk-lam, Shirley Engineer/Central and Western 3,
Transport Department
Mr NG Tit-ho, Leo
Engineer/Special Duty, Transport Department
Mr WAI Hon-kwok
Principal Technical Officer (Traffic)/Southern
and Peak, Transport Department
Mr LO Kai-kwei, Richard
Senior District Engineer/Hong Kong Northwest,
Highways Department
Mr WONG Siu-wah, Pierre
Senior Engineer 11 (Hong Kong Island Division
1), Civil Engineering and Development
Department
Mr CHAN Kwong-ming
Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team
(Central District), Hong Kong Police Force
Mr LAU Wing-fu
Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team
(Western District), Hong Kong Police Force
Secretary
Miss HUI Lok-yam, Noel
Executive Officer (District Council) 2,
Central and Western District Office
Absent with Apologies:
Mr CHAN Chi-ming, Lawrence
Mr CHEUNG Chi-wai
Mr LEE Jim-on
Senior Engineer/Central and Western, Transport
Department
District Operations Officer (Central District),
Hong Kong Police Force
District Operations Officer (Western District),
Hong Kong Police Force
Welcome Remarks
The Chairlady welcomed Members and representatives from government
departments to the 6th meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (TTC)
(2014-15).
Item 1:
2.
Item 2:
3.
Adoption of the Agenda
As there were no comments from Members, the agenda was adopted.
Confirmation of the Minutes of the 5th TTC Meeting on 6 November
2014
The Committee confirmed the minutes of the 5th meeting of the TTC.
-4-
Item 3:
Chairlady’s Report
4.
As regards the selected Minor Works Projects and their schedules (as of early
January 2015), the Secretariat had distributed the report to Members for their perusal
before the meeting and had not received any comments from Members.
Item 4(i): Standing Item: Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern
Corridor Link – Report on the Progress of the Central Interchange
Project
(C&W TTC Paper No. 1/2015)
(2:32 pm – 2:45 pm)
5.
The Chairlady thanked the Highways Department (HyD) for arranging a site
visit for Members to learn about the works progress on 6 January 2015.
6.
Mr CHIU Cheuk-siu, Senior Engineer 2/Central Wanchai Bypass of the HyD,
thanked Members for joining the site visit to learn about the works progress of the
Central-Wan Chai Bypass in person as well as their long-standing support for the
project. He briefly introduced the major works carried out at four project locations
in the past six months, including the construction works of a tunnel, its link roads, a
flyover, and the widening of the flyover at Man Po Street. He indicated that upon
the completion of the tunnel structure works for the Central Interchange in December
2014, the remaining works were thereafter undertaken under the contract for the
works associated with tunnel commissioning. The works at the other three locations
would continue. As regards the temporary traffic arrangement, the HyD had
resumed the original routing of Man Yiu Street and re-opened the eastern section of
Man Po Street in August 2014. The link road between Man Po Street and Finance
Street had been re-opened in December 2014. Vehicles along Man Po Street could
now head for Finance Street via the link road. The temporary road connecting Man
Po Street to Finance Street (near Four Seasons Hotel) was expected to be cancelled in
the second quarter of 2015 having regard to the progress of works. This arrangement
had been endorsed by the Traffic Management Liaison Group.
During
implementation, clear road signs would be installed at the site to guide motorists.
The HyD would continue the works for the construction of the tunnel’s link roads, the
flyover and the widening of the flyover at Man Po Street in the coming six months.
Meanwhile, it would commence the works for the widening of Man Yiu Street,
construction of Yiu Sing Street and construction of at-grade roads connecting to the
western tunnel portal.
7.
Mr CHIU Cheuk-siu added that the works of the Central Interchange Project
were expected to complete in 2016 and the HyD had been endeavouring to
commission the Central-Wan Chai Bypass in 2017 as originally scheduled. However,
in view of the many challenges and uncertainties ahead which might lead to works
delay, the HyD would continue to work with its consulting engineers and resident site
staff in closely monitoring the works progress. Where necessary, it would adopt
appropriate measures to expedite the works progress, such as enhancing construction
methods and sequences, with a view to commissioning of the Central-Wan Chai
Bypass as early as possible.
-5-
8.
The Chairlady invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The enquiries and views of
(a) Mr CHAN Choi-hi said that the HyD had to inform the C&WDC of any
delays and provide detailed information on the projects that might be delayed.
He also pointed out that the trees within the project locations did not receive
proper maintenance and the miscellaneous items placed on flowering shrubs
might damage the plants. He urged the HyD to pay more attention to these
issues and give an account of its greening plan at the entire project locations
upon project completion.
(b) The Chairlady remarked that she had noticed during the site visit that part of
the grass slope as a greening measure would be turned into roads. She
enquired whether the HyD would have any new greening plan upon project
completion.
9.
Mr CHIU Cheuk-siu pointed out that the department would endeavour to
commission the bypass in 2017 as originally scheduled. However, uncertainties
related to weather and geological conditions might affect the works progress. The
department would strive to notify Members as soon as possible in case the
commissioning date would be affected by any works delay. In regard to greening,
contractors had carried out tree maintenance work and the department would step up
inspection in response to the issue of flowering shrubs raised by Mr CHAN, so as to
ensure that the plants were well-protected. The works for the bypass also included
greening work, such as planting of trees and shrubs in the vicinity of Man Po Street.
The department would introduce the greening plan at the next meeting.
10.
The Chairlady thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 5:
Standing Item(ii):
Latest Revision of the Public Transportation Re-organisation Plans to tie in with
the Commissioning of the West Island Line
(C&W TTC Paper No. 2/2015)
Strong Request for Retaining Route 18 Operated by the New World First Bus
(C&W TTC Paper No. 9/2015)
(2:45 pm – 3:55 pm)
11.
The Chairlady indicated that the Secretariat had received the paper and data
submitted by the TD only two days before the meeting. In addition, she had also
made the letter and relevant annexes from the Central and Western District Residents
Livelihood Concern Group available on the table for perusal.
12.
Mr Patrick NG, Chief Transport Officer/Bus and Railway Branch of the TD,
responded that since it took time to collect and collate the operational data of bus
services, and the department would like to submit the latest information after the
commissioning of the West Island Line (WIL) for Members’ perusal, hence there was
a delay in submission of the paper which he tendered apologies. He pointed out that
the MTR Island Line had been extended to HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station
-6-
from 28 December 2014 onwards. The preliminary information from the MTR
Corporation Limited (MTRCL) showed that there was a daily average patronage of
130 000 using the said two new stations for MTR services on weekdays. Sai Ying
Pun Station was expected to commence operation by the late first quarter of 2015. It
was expected that an increasing number of residents in the Western District would use
the railway services by then. From recent observations, the travel demands and
patterns of the residents in C&W District had obviously been changed. The
department had conducted site visits three weeks after the commissioning of the new
railway when residents’ travel patterns became largely steady. The photos displayed
at the meeting showed that during peak hours at around 8:20 am on 21 January 2015,
the number of passengers queuing up for buses at the bus stops of Citybus Limited
(CTB) and New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) (Central direction) at
Kennedy Town Praya had reduced from over 30 people before the commissioning of
the WIL to around 6 to 7 people. The upper deck of the bus running CTB route 5P,
which was always fully loaded in the past, was less than half-load during similar time
on the same day. Furthermore, there were only a few passengers queuing up at the
bus stop at Ka On Street, which was the last stop of some bus routes before leaving
the Western District, at around 8:40 am on 28 January 2015. It could be seen from
the photo that during similar time on the same day, there were few passengers on the
upper deck of the bus running NWFB route 18P.
13.
Mr Patrick NG continued that there were a number of entrances at Kennedy
Town Station and HKU Station which were connected with passages for convenient
use by residents in the district. According to the information provided by the
MTRCL, it took 11 minutes to travel from HKU Station to Wan Chai. The adult
octopus fare was $5 and early birds enjoyed a discount of 25%. Bus fares of express
routes travelling via Connaught Road West and Rumsey Street flyover ranged from
$4.4 to $5.2 and the journey time was around 20 minutes. In other words, the
journey time for a MTR trip was half of that for a bus trip under normal operation of
the MTR. This, coupled with the return trip fare concessions and various fare
rebates, had resulted in a certain degree of fare competition between the MTR and
bus. As a result, the patronage of the franchised bus services in the district had
decreased significantly upon the commissioning of the WIL. Bus companies had to
fine tune their bus schedules when continuing their services, so as to maintain
operational efficiency. Nevertheless, the large-scale bus route re-organisation
projects not yet commenced would be implemented in phases upon the
commissioning of Sai Ying Pun Station of the WIL. At this stage, only bus
schedules were adjusted to tie in with the changes in passengers’ demands.
14.
Mr Curtis CHIU, Senior Transport Officer/Bus and Railway Branch of the
TD, pointed out that the daily patronage of the two new MTR stations was around
130 000 at present. The patronage of franchised buses decreased significantly and a
detailed breakdown of the data by bus routes in each district was set out in Annex I.
The data concerned was about the average patronage rate in the busiest 30 minutes
during peak hours before and after the extension of the Island Line to the Western
District. It could be seen from the comparisons in the table that the patronage of
most bus routes decreased significantly. Annex II of the paper also set out the
criteria for frequency adjustments of franchised bus routes. The criteria concerned
had been set out upon the commencement of the consultation and the department
would make frequency adjustments gradually according to the criteria. As bus
-7-
frequency was reduced according to the average patronage rate of individual routes in
the busiest 30 minutes, the figures were reproduced in the table for Members’
reference. Moreover, the department would implement the re-organisation plans
gradually upon the commissioning of Sai Ying Pun MTR Station and the details
concerned were set out in Annex III. The plan to provide the new CTB route 43M,
green minibus (GMB) routes 23M, 54M and 58M, and introduce section fares for the
existing two GMB routes was completed and the new routes had been operating
smoothly so far. The department planned to make internal adjustment of the bus
routes in the Western District around two weeks after the full commissioning of the
WIL and would complete the re-organisation plans on bus routes involving Mid-levels
West and Southern District two to four weeks after the full commissioning of the WIL.
The department would continue to conduct service surveys and closely monitor the
changes in patronage with bus companies to make adjustments to bus frequency and
the pace of implementation of the re-organisation plans when necessary from now
onwards and after the commissioning of Sai Ying Pun Station.
15.
Mr Curtis CHIU continued that some Members had earlier submitted the
paper titled “Strong Request for Retaining Route 18 Operated by the New World First
Bus”, which the department had responded in writing and would not be repeated here.
It could be seen from the data in the table that the patronage rate of NWFB route 18
had fallen to 32% and thus the department hoped to make adjustment and
re-organisation given the limited bus resources. Routes 2, 18X and 18P would be
retained in future for public use. He reiterated that the interests of passengers and
resource arrangement were the basis for route re-organisation and the number of
vehicles on roads also had to be reduced in the long run to improve air quality.
Finally, the department also noted the views of the Central and Western District
Residents Livelihood Concern Group enclosed in the tabled paper and response to
some of the views had been given in the TD’s paper. The TD would carefully read
the letter again.
16.
The Chairlady combined the two papers and invited discussion.
enquiries and views of Members were as follows:
The
(a) Mr CHAN Hok-fung pointed out that he had noted the significant decrease in
bus patronage upon the commissioning of the WIL and cited an example in
which he was the only passenger on the bus when he took route 18P in the
afternoon. He also agreed that route adjustment was necessary to optimise
the use of public resources and reduce air pollution. However, he opined
that the department should provide more data before accurate judgement
could be made. For example, the department pointed out that the daily
patronage of the two new MTR stations for MTR services was around
130 000 at present, and the passenger distribution and flow at each station
would affect the judgement on the re-organisation. Moreover, he pointed
out that the new CTB route 43M only travelled to Shek Tong Tsui and the
effectiveness was limited. He proposed the bus route be extended to Sun
Yat Sen Memorial Park or Sheung Wan to attract more patronage as well as
to resolve the problem of the lack of bus services to Central and Sheung Wan
for residents in the Victoria Road area. As for GMB, he pointed out that the
patronage of route 54M decreased significantly upon the commissioning of
the WIL. However, the patronage of routes 58M and 59 increased on the
-8-
contrary and passengers had to wait for several departures before they could
get on board during morning peak hours. He suggested the department
discuss with the GMB operator to provide special departures to travel to
Aberdeen direct via Pok Fu Lam Road. The provision of point-to-point
service not only reduced journey time, but also provided convenience to
passengers by reducing their waiting time. By the same token, it took 20
minutes for route 54M to detour along Victoria Road and appropriate
adjustment should also be made to ease passenger flow. Finally, he pointed
out that cross harbour bus routes 104 and 113 could only be truncated when
route 101X was fully complementary to these routes.
(b) Mr IP Kwok-him indicated that after the commissioning of the WIL, there
were undoubtedly changes in the travel patterns of residents in the district.
Consequently, there was a drop in bus patronage. Accordingly, the
department should consider the re-organisation plans from the perspectives
of passenger demand and resource utilisation. However, only one month of
data was not enough as in the present case. He pointed out that three
months’ data should be available before a more proper decision could be
made. In addition, during the re-organisation process, the department
should also review the arrangement of feeder services, including planning of
bus stops and co-ordination of minibus and bus services, etc.
(c) Mr KAM Nai-wai pointed out that the TD had decided to implement the
re-organisation plans within two weeks after the full commissioning of the
WIL based on one month’s data only. Members had repeatedly objected to
the proposals of cancellation of route 18 and the truncation of routes 104 and
113, etc. He objected to the implementation of re-organisation arrangement
in accordance with this schedule. He agreed that bus frequency could be
reduced in response to the decrease in bus patronage. He also asked the
department to provide information about the reduction of the bus frequency
concerned. He expressed his strong discontent over the department’s
cancellation of CTB route M47 before the commissioning of Sai Ying Pun
Station. Under this arrangement, residents in Sheung Wan had no direct
route to the Southern District. In addition, he was of the view that NWFB
route 18 should be retained to appropriately tie in with routes 18X and 18P,
so that residents in Sheung Wan could continue to travel on NWFB route 18
to the districts concerned. As the patronage of routes 104 and 113 had not
been significantly changed after the commissioning of the WIL, it was
inappropriate for the department to truncate the routes concerned. He
reiterated that the TTC should clearly express its objection to the schedule
and arrangement of the re-organisation plans in Annex III.
(d) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai said that route re-organisation was understandable in
response to the decrease in minibus and bus patronage, but it must be carried
out in phases. In the meantime, minibus and bus feeder services must be
planned specifically, but so far he could not see any relevant arrangement by
the TD and the bus companies. For example, for the minibus route running
between Mong Kok Golden Era Plaza and the C&W District, in the past
many passengers lined up at the minibus stop, but now minibuses were
waiting for passengers to get on board. In contrast, the service of route 13
-9-
to the Mid-levels should be enhanced, and the TD should make co-ordination.
Besides, the department should strengthen the feeder services between
Bonham Road, the Mid-levels and MTR stations. The department could
also consider providing additional routes apart from GMB route 45A.
Furthermore, he suggested that fare concessions for NWFB routes 3B and 23
should be provided before the commissioning of Sai Ying Pun Station in late
March, so as to attract more passengers to interchange with the MTR at
Haking Wong Building of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
(e) Mr CHAN Choi-hi pointed out that the travel patterns of the public were still
not steady upon the commissioning of the WIL for one month only. The
public might switch to take the MTR at the beginning, but it was not possible
to reach a conclusion on the long-term travel patterns on this basis. He
indicated that members of the public had complained about frequency
reduction. He enquired if the CTB and the NWFB had already adjusted bus
availability and asked the department and the bus companies to provide
relevant information. Besides, he opined that the department should not
only look at the demands for the eastbound service of NWFB route 18, the
demands of passengers in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun for the westbound
service should also be considered. He was of the view that there were
respective demands for route 18P and route 18 as an express route and a slow
route, so that they could complement one another. In view of this, he
objected to the department’s cancellation of route 18 at this stage.
(f) Mr Sidney LEE said that the C&WDC had been requesting the department to
re-organise bus routes in phases after three months of full commissioning of
the WIL. He opined that it was too hasty for the department to implement
adjustments based on the data for half a month only before the opening of Sai
Ying Pun Station. Moreover, the data only showed the changes in
patronage rate for the busiest 30 minutes of a day without information on the
bus patronage in the other 23.5 hours. If the travel patterns only varied
during peak hours, there would be different proposals for the re-organisation
plans. He asked the department to provide comprehensive data after the
opening of Sai Ying Pun Station in late March for Members’ reference at the
TTC meeting in April, so that the C&WDC could provide appropriate advice.
(g) Miss LO Yee-hang said that no hasty decision on the re-organisation plans
should be made without comprehensive data at present. She cited an
example that there were quite a number of passengers taking westbound
route 18 in the afternoon. Despite the scheduled opening of Sai Ying Pun
Station in the first quarter of 2015, the works for the exit at Ki Ling Lane
were still underway. As a result, residents in the vicinity of Sai Ying Pun,
especially the elders who had difficulty in accessing the MTR Station, would
still opt for bus services. In sum, she considered that the re-organisation of
bus routes was necessary, but she strongly requested the TD to retain route
18.
(h) Mr WONG Kin-shing said that the exits of HKU MTR Station were not
easily accessible by many residents. The fact that it took nine minutes to
walk from the platform to exit C2 deterred residents from taking the MTR.
- 10 -
Without route 18, residents could only take route 10 to travel from the
vicinity of exit C2 to Water Street, Western Street, Sai Ying Pun, Eastern
Street and Wilmer Street etc. He proposed extending route 18P to Queen
Street before turning to Connaught Road Central so as to offer the passengers
of route 18 an alternative bus route. Otherwise, they could only take route
10 which was a circuitous route. If route 18P could not be re-routed
accordingly, he would object to the cancellation of route 18.
(i) Mr Alex LEUNG enquired about the locations where the TD collected the
data. He was perplexed by the reported decline in the patronage of the
buses departing from the Southern District. He said that under general
circumstances, these buses were full when they arrived at the stops at the
Belcher’s and residents of the Southern District were unlikely to change their
travel patterns at this stage. As it was difficult for Members to make a
proper decision based on two pages of data provided by the TD, he enquired
whether it had information relating to the background of the passengers who
had switched to the MTR. He also enquired whether the TD had the data
about tram ridership that could illustrate the effect on trams after the
commissioning of the WIL. He agreed that effective use of resources was
necessary, but it was also important to provide new bus routes during
re-organisation to serve the public as well as to maintain adequate bus
ridership. As the MTR fares increased every year, there was a need to
maintain bus services to offer the public an alternative means of transport.
Meanwhile, the HKPF should step up law enforcement actions against illegal
parking in the Western District to ensure smooth operation of bus services.
(j) Mr YEUNG Hoi-wing indicated that the data collected by the TD over half a
month could not be taken as definitive. As some members of the public
might take the MTR simply out of curiosity, the TD should provide the data
collected over a period of three to six months for Members’ reference. As
regards the schedule, he considered that it was too hasty for the TD to
re-organise the bus routes only two weeks after the full commissioning of the
WIL. He insisted that a discussion on the subject should only be conducted
three months after the full commissioning of the WIL with sufficient data
provided. He also pointed out that while CTB route 43M was supposed to
be a feeder route, many members of the public relayed that it was hard to
find its bus stops in the vicinity of Kennedy Town Station. He called for
corresponding improvement.
Currently, the TD only provided the
re-organisation plans for bus routes and their related data. He opined that if
the TD planned to re-organise GMB routes, it should also provide related
data for Members’ reference. He pointed out that as there were many
passengers waiting for GMB route 58 at Kennedy Town Station, the TD
should hold a discussion with the minibus company on frequency adjustment
or provision of special departures.
(k) Mr YIP Wing-shing said that despite the significant decline in bus patronage,
the TD should allow a period of three months after the opening of Sai Ying
Pun Station for general observation. It should make adjustments having
regard to individual circumstances rather than implementing the
re-organisation plans across the board within a short period of time.
- 11 -
(l) The Chairlady said that many residents had relayed to her that the data
provided by the TD were inaccurate and could not reflect the actual
circumstances through presenting the data in percentage. Data collection
took place at the time the students of the HKU were on holiday and having
examinations which also affected bus patronage. She enquired whether the
TD had started adjusting bus frequency since 26 January 2015 (Monday).
In addition, residents of the Mid-levels would interchange with routes 3B, 23,
40 and 40M near the exit of HKU Station at Yam Pak Building on their way
home. She hoped that the TD would consider relocating the bus stops
closer to the MTR Station exits for the convenience of residents. She also
urged the TD to note the changes in the travel patterns of the Mid-levels
residents apart from those of the Western District residents. For more than a
year, the C&WDC had been requesting the TD to implement its
re-organisation plans upon conducting a review three to six months after the
full commissioning of the WIL.
Therefore, she objected to the
implementation of the re-organisation plans two weeks after the full
commissioning of the WIL as set out in Annex III.
17.
Mr Patrick NG pointed out that for railway service, the daily patronage of
HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station was around 130 000 at present, among
which HKU Station accounted for 60% and Kennedy Town Station accounted for
40%. As for the periods with higher patronage, passengers mainly used Kennedy
Town Station from 7:30 am to 9:00 am and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For HKU
Station, other than high passenger flow during the commuting hours from 7:30 am to
8:30 am, a large number of students also used exits A1 and A2 of the station from
9:00 am to 9:30 am and there was a high passenger flow in the evening from 6:00 pm
to 8:00 pm. As for tram service, the overall patronage of tram saw a drop of 8%
upon the commissioning of the WIL according to the data provided by the tram
company which could be made public. However, it would not be appropriate to
provide the actual number of passengers here given its sensitive nature. There might
be changes to the vehicular flow on roads in the Western District upon the
commissioning of the new railway and the tram company would formulate
corresponding policies to maintain patronage having regard to circumstances.
18.
Mr Patrick NG continued that the carrying capacity of public transport in the
district had significantly increased upon the commissioning of the WIL. Residents
could choose road-based or rail-based public transport services but overlapping of
services was inevitable. The broad direction of the department was to utilise
resources effectively and alleviate traffic congestion. Traffic congestion could be
alleviated and air quality could be improved effectively if the number of road vehicles
was reduced. He believed that Councillors and Members would agree to reduce
some trips of or make adjustment to bus routes correspondingly, and bus companies
would also consider providing new enhanced services for public use while saving
resources. In response to the views of Members on the optimisation arrangement for
GMB routes travelling from and to the Southern District and the Western District, the
department would continue to discuss with the minibus company the suggestions
concerned to tie in with the overall re-organisation plans to serve the public. He
reiterated that other means of road-based public transport would not be replaced by
the WIL after its commissioning. In fact, the public could still choose to take bus or
- 12 -
GMB but resources must be utilised effectively to provide a suitable operating
environment for bus and GMB operators to provide continual services to the public.
As for the fall in patronage of bus routes departing from the Southern District, he
responded that it was because some residents of the Southern District had chosen
other more convenient services, such as the feeder services to new MTR stations
provided by GMB routes 58M, 58, 59, 8 and 28. As for the implementation
schedule of the re-organisation plans, the department and bus companies would
continue to collect operational data of the bus services concerned to understand the
changes in travel patterns of local residents and the patronage of public transport in
order to keep track of the implementation of re-organisation plans. He pointed out
that the fall in bus patronage last month was greater than original estimation but the
department would continue to liaise with community members and had conducted
corresponding service surveys to make frequency adjustments having regard to actual
circumstances. Thus the frequency of some bus routes had been adjusted on 26
January having regard to the changes in patronage. He pointed out that the
patronage of HKU Station increased significantly upon class resumption of the HKU
on 19 January this year and the department also noted the continuous increase in
railway patronage. He said that Sai Ying Pun Station was similar to HKU Station in
terms of design because entrances were extensively located. He believed that this
would attract many local residents to use the stations in future which would pose
greater challenges to bus service.
19.
Mr Simon WONG, Planning and Scheduling Manager of the CTB/NWFB,
said that as set out in Annex I, the data collected before the extension of MTR Island
Line to the Western District was based on on-board patronage surveys conducted in or
before September 2014 while the data collected after the extension of MTR Island
Line to the Western District was obtained from Monday to Friday during the period
between 5 and 16 January 2015 to avoid the impact of the Christmas and New Year
holidays on patronage. Furthermore, the survey in January 2015 was conducted at
locations with the highest on-board patronage throughout the whole journey of each
route. Accordingly, the survey location for each route was different. As the
information concerning the actual number of passengers was the internal information
of bus companies, the changes in patronage could only be indicated in percentages.
The bus companies noted that there was a continuous decline in patronage after the
commissioning of the WIL. Based on past experience, passengers who switched to
the railway would seldom resume taking buses. It was believed that the situation
would become worse upon the opening of Sai Ying Pun Station. In this regard, to
use resources effectively, bus companies should adjust the service levels as soon as
possible.
20.
The Chairlady asked the TD to inform the C&WDC of the frequency
adjustments in advance. Furthermore, she proposed that this standing item be
discussed at the TTC meetings in April, June and July 2015 so that the C&WDC
could effectively monitor the situation. She also asked the TD to withdraw the
schedule set out in Annex III and not to implement the re-organisation plans until 16
April.
21.
Mr Patrick NG said that the paper was available for public information and
the TD would continue to listen to the views of the C&WDC. He reiterated that
based on the premise of effective use of resources, there was an urgency to take
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forward the re-organisation of bus routes. Reducing the frequency of individual bus
routes would only result in a loss of competitiveness of the routes concerned.
Meanwhile, the TD and the bus companies would continue to conduct service surveys
and update the C&WDC in a timely manner.
22.
The Chairlady concluded that the TTC opposed to the schedule set out in
Annex III and requested its withdrawal by the TD. The C&WDC would discuss the
re-organisation proposals at the TTC meeting on 16 April 2015. Furthermore, it was
undesirable for the TD to implement the re-organisation plans immediately after the
meeting. The plans should only be implemented in July having regard to actual
circumstances.
23.
The Chairlady asked Members to vote on the motion. After voting, the
following motion proposed by Mr CHAN Choi-hi, Mr YIP Wing-shing, Mr CHAN
Chit-kwai, Dr Malcolm LAM and Miss LO Yee-hang was passed:
Motion: To strongly request for retaining Route 18 operated by the
New World First Bus.
(22 Members voted for the motion: Ms CHENG Lai-king, Mr HUI Chi-fung,
Mr YIP Wing-shing, Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr IP Kwok-him (authorised Mr
CHAN Hok-fung to vote on his behalf), Mr KAM Nai-wai, Mr CHAN
Chit-kwai, Mr CHAN Choi-hi, Mr Sidney LEE, Mr MAN Chi-wah, Dr
Malcolm LAM (authorised Mr CHAN Chit-kwai to vote on his behalf), Miss
SIU Ka-yi, Miss LO Yee-hang, Mr Jackie CHEUNG, Mr CHEUNG
Kwok-kwan, Mr Thomas NG, Mr WONG Kin-shing, Mr CHAN Tsz-kwan,
Mr CHAN Wing-ho, Mr LEE Ching-hang, Mr WONG Sai-kit and Mr
YEUNG Hoi-wing)
(No Member voted against the motion)
(1 Member abstained from voting: Mr Alex LEUNG)
24.
The Chairlady thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 6:
Bus Route Planning Programme 2015-16 of the Central & Western
District
(C&W TTC Paper No. 3/2015)
(3:55 pm – 4:15 pm)
25.
The Chairlady proposed to go through the items on bus routes one by one
and discuss the views and questions raised by Members on an individual basis.
Route 15B
26.
Mr Byon WONG, Senior Transport Officer/Bus Development/Hong Kong 1
of the TD, said that the department proposed to relocate the terminus of Route 15B
from Tin Hau to Wan Chai (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) and divert
via Causeway Bay so as to connect Golden Bauhinia Square and the Peak. The fare
of the route would be adjusted to $11.7 having regard to its extension.
- 14 -
27.
Mr Alex LEUNG welcomed the above proposal. Given the low patronage
of route 15B, its extension to Wan Chai could attract more tourists. However, a
review on the traffic load between Tin Hau and Golden Bauhinia Square should be
conducted to see whether the frequency would be unstable. In addition, he proposed
to introduce the supplementary service of route 15 during Golden Week. For
instance, to reduce the journey time and waiting time of passengers, an express route
to the Peak should be introduced with stops at Central Pier, Exchange Square and
Admiralty only. He also pointed out that after last year’s adjustment, route H1 was a
success. The TD could draw reference from the experience and optimise the use of
tourist resources.
Route 18P
28.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to relocate the terminal point of
route 18P from Belcher Bay Temporary Bus Terminus to Kennedy Town (Sai Ning
Street) Bus Terminus.
29.
Mr CHAN Hok-fung supported the proposal and looked forward to its early
implementation.
Route 720
30.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to standardise the alignment of
route 720 in non-peak periods, including the period after morning peak hours from
Mondays to Saturdays, as well as Sundays and public holidays. Departures from
Central (Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal) would be diverted via Queensway and
Arsenal Street in lieu of Harcourt Road, Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road.
31.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Routes 373 and 373A
32.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to relocate the terminal point of
the return trips of route 373 in the afternoon from Central (Rumsey Street) to Central
Pier to divert its routing from congested road sections. The TD also proposed to
operate special routes 978A and 978B from Luen Wo Hui and Ching Ho Estate
respectively to Wan Chai via the Western Harbour Crossing in the morning. The
service of route 373A during non-peak hours would be strengthened to a 20-minute
interval. As route 373A operated via the Western Harbour Crossing, it was proposed
to be renumbered as 978 for the sake of consistency with other routes operating via
the Western Harbour Crossing.
33.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
routes.
Route 905
34.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to divert route 905 and relocate
its terminus to Wan Chai Ferry Pier Temporary Public Transport Interchange mainly
to facilitate the works of the Sha Tin to Central Link.
- 15 -
35.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Routes 619 and 619X
36.
Mr Byon WONG said that the bus company proposed to increase the service
frequency of routes 619 and 619X to meet rising passenger demand. An additional
return trip of route 619X from Central to Shun Lee would operate during afternoon
peak hours with the same stops as those of route 619 on Hong Kong Island.
37.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
routes.
Route 934
38.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to operate a supplementary route
934A from Allway Gardens to Wan Chai in the morning.
39.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route E11
40.
Mr Byon WONG said that to meet the demand of the passengers in the
vicinity of Tung Chung North, the TD proposed to divert route E11 via Tung Chung
North during designated periods and fine-tune its service frequency.
41.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route 182
42.
Mr Byon WONG said that in view of the intake of Shui Chuen O Estate and
passenger demand for express routes during afternoon peak hours, the TD proposed to
deploy four buses to express route 182X operating from Central (Hong Kong-Macau
Macau Ferry Terminal) to Yu Chui Court via Tai Wai, Jat Min, Sha Kok, Pok Hong
and Shui Chuen O during afternoon peak hours from Mondays to Fridays (except
public holidays). There would be no en-route stops in Kowloon. The service
frequency of route 182 during the same period would be adjusted.
43.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route 305
44.
Mr Byon WONG said that the TD proposed to divert route 305 via Tsing Sha
Highway and the Western Harbour Crossing in lieu of Cross Harbour Tunnel on Wan
Chai-bound journeys and to renumber it as 985 in consideration of its routing via the
Western Harbour Crossing.
45.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above route.
Routes 930 and 930A
46.
Mr Byon WONG said that in view of the intake of the new housing estate at
Site TW7 near Tsuen Wan West Station, the TD proposed to divert both bounds of
- 16 -
route 930A via Ma Tau Pa Road. It also proposed to operate a special route 930X
plying between Tsuen Wan (Discovery Park) and Wan Chai Ferry Pier via Ma Tau Pa
Road from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays).
47.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
routes.
Route 962S
48.
Mr Byon WONG said that in response to the increasing passenger
demand, the bus company would increase the frequency of route 962S in accordance
with guidelines.
49.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Routes 11 and 511
50.
Mr Byon WONG said that in order to meet passenger demand, he suggested
converting route 511 from a circular route to a single bound service route from Tai
Hang Drive to Central via Mount Butler Road. The frequency of route 11 departing
from Central Pier would be enhanced during morning peak hours to tie in with the
change in route 511.
51.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
routes.
Route 15C
52.
Mr Byon WONG said that the patronage was extremely low, the average
patronage per trip was less than one. He thus suggested cancelling the special
service to Kennedy Road before 10 am.
53.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route 26
54.
Mr Byon WONG said that as the patronage of route 26 was relatively low
during non-peak hours, he suggested replacing two double-decked buses with two
single-decked buses to serve this route.
55.
The Chairlady said that some residents suggested that the route ply on Caine
Road to Admiralty via Seymour Road and Robinson Road.
56.
Mr KAM Nai-wai enquired if the department could provide the data on the
patronage of route 26. In addition, in view of the complaints from residents about
the low frequency of the route, he enquired if the change concerned would alleviate
the problem of low frequency.
57.
Mr Simon WONG, Planning and Scheduling Manager of the CTB/NWFB,
said that the change only involved a change in the bus type of route 26, its frequency
would remain unchanged.
- 17 -
Route 37B
58.
Mr Byon WONG said that in order to improve the reliability of Southern
District bound services, he suggested converting two departures (circular service)
from Chi Fu Fa Yuen during evening peak hours as uni-directional trips from Central
(Exchange Square) to Chi Fu Fa Yuen.
59.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route 621
60.
Mr Byon WONG said that as the patronage was relatively low during
evening peak hours, he suggested reducing the number of return trips of route 621
during evening peak hours from six to four.
61.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Routes 948, 948X and 948P
62.
Mr Byon WONG said that the proposed changes mainly rationalised the
coverage and scope of services of routes 948, 948X and 948P in Tsing Yi, their overall
frequency for this group of bus routes would remain unchanged.
63.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
Route 969A
64.
Mr Byon WONG proposed to cease the return trip service on Saturday
afternoon in response to the relatively low patronage.
65.
route.
Members had no comments on the re-organisation proposal of the above
66.
Mr CHAN Choi-hi said that in view of the forward-looking nature of route
development, he hoped that the TD and the bus companies could make greater use of
the Western Harbour Crossing. He also opined that the new routes could respond to
the requests of residents.
67.
Mr Byon WONG noted the above views. As most bus routes were serving
different districts, the TD would take into account other relevant comments collected
as in past practice.
68.
The Chairlady thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Vice-chairman chaired the discussion on the remaining agenda items.
The
Item 7:
Resurfacing Works on the Carriageway along Bonham Road
(C&W TTC Paper No. 4/2015)
(4:15 pm – 4:27 pm)
69.
Mr TAM Chi-sing, Engineer/Consultants Management 3 of the Water
- 18 -
Supplies Department (WSD), said that the WSD planned to carry out resurfacing
works and abandon the old valve pits at the section of Bonham Road between Hing
Hon Road and Good View Court. With the support from the TTC of the C&WDC in
the summer of 2014, the WSD had successfully completed the water pipe replacement
works at Bonham Road, the new water pipes had also been put into service. The
WSD originally planned to conduct the resurfacing works at the above road section at
night time in late December 2014, but the Environmental Protection Department
(EPD) suggested the works be carried out during day time. Therefore, the WSD
proposed to carry out the works in phases on Sundays and public holidays starting
from early March 2015.
70.
The Vice-chairman invited discussion on the paper.
views of Members were as follows:
The enquiries and
(a) Mr WONG Kin-sing enquired of the department about the actual time for
carrying out the works.
(b) Mr Sidney LEE pointed out that the Committee had endorsed the
implementation of the works in December by circulation of papers at the end
of 2014 but the EPD did not issue a permit. He hoped that the works
concerned could be implemented as soon as possible. He said that the
impact on traffic would be minimised by implementing the works on
Sundays but hoped that the department could defer the starting time of works
from 8:00 am to 10:00 am to avoid causing nuisance to nearby residents on
Sundays.
(c) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai asked the department about the total number of
Sundays required to carry out the works as well as the noise and dust
mitigation measures. He also asked the department whether a manually
operated hotline would be set up during the works period and proposed
deferring the working hours to 9:30 am until 6:00 pm.
(d) Mr KAM Nai-wai said that the data provided by the department in the paper
was too slipshod. The actual number of working days required and the
actual commencement date should be provided. He said that the department
must implement proper temporary traffic arrangements at both ends of the
roads as it did during the works period last year and asked whether it was
necessary to convert the Bonham Road Flyover to a bus-only lane.
71.
Mr TAM Chi-sing pointed out that the WSD had planned to carry out the
works from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and noisy works would be carried out after 10:00 am.
72.
Mr Chris CHOW, Resident Engineer of the AECOM, said that he would
discuss with the contractor on the feasibility of carrying out the works from 9:30 am
to 5:00 pm. It was estimated that it would take six hours a day for the actual works
but the works were proposed to commence early as road closure took time. It was
estimated that the works could be completed in six working days if everything went
smoothly. As for noise, the contractor would install noise barriers according to the
permit issued by the EPD to satisfy its requirements. It would also set up a manually
operated hotline to respond to questions during the works period. There would be
- 19 -
sufficient manpower to assist in the control of vehicular traffic at the affected roads
during the works period. The Bonham Road Flyover would not be converted to a
bus-only lane in this works project but two bus stops had to be temporarily relocated
during the works period. The one outside Ning Yeung Terrace would be relocated to
Centre Street and the one at Hing Hon Building would be relocated to outside St.
Paul’s College.
73.
Mr CHAN Chit-kwai asked the contractor to notify residents of the
relocation of the two bus stops as soon as possible and erect adequate and clear signs.
74.
The Vice-chairman thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 8:
Concern over the Problem of Road Safety in the Vicinity of Des Voeux
Road Central and Cleverly Street in Central
(C&W TTC Paper No. 5/2015)
(4:27 pm to 4:35 pm)
75.
The Vice-chairman invited discussion on the paper.
views of Members were as follows:
The enquiries and
(a) Miss SIU Ka-yi said that she had conducted a site visit after the traffic
accident at Des Voeux Road Central and Cleverly Street at the night of 27
October 2014. She noticed that the traffic lights at the junction did not
synchronise with each other and took the photo as shown in the paper, which
showed that a bus was turning onto Cleverly Street while the traffic light on
eastbound Des Voeux Road Central was still green. Moreover, she noticed
that three pedestrian lights would be completed later this year and asked
whether the facilities concerned could improve the traffic conditions there.
(b) Mr CHAN Choi-hi asked whether the road monitoring system would be
installed at the above road section.
76.
Mr Francis LOK, Engineer/Central and Western 1 of the TD, said that the
traffic light signals at the junction of Des Voeux Road Central and Cleverly Street
were arranged in two stages, with one of them guiding the traffic on eastbound and
westbound Des Voeux Road Central and the other guiding the traffic turning left or
right onto Des Voeux Road Central from southbound Cleverly Street. As such, it
was not possible that the traffic light signals would be green at the same time for the
traffic making turn from southbound Cleverly Street and the traffic going straight on
Des Voeux Road Central. Nevertheless, he would reflect the situation mentioned by
Members to the relevant division. In respect of the situation shown in the photo, he
reckoned that there might have been congestion at eastbound traffic on Des Voeux
Road Central. The bus was turning from Cleverly Street right before the green light
was about turn red, but the bus rear was not at Des Voeux Road Central in time, and
the traffic light at eastbound Des Voeux Road Central had turned green. The HyD
was arranging for a site investigation regarding the addition of three pedestrian lights
to ensure the safety of the pedestrians crossing the road. It was expected that the
pedestrian lights would be available in the middle of this year. He would also inform
the relevant division of the arrangements for other traffic light signals at the location
- 20 -
mentioned in the paper, so that they could look into the duration of traffic light
signals. The department did not intend to set up a road monitoring system at the said
location.
77.
Miss SIU Ka-yi said that she took the photo on the spot. From her
observation, it was not that the bus could not turn onto Des Voeux Road Central in
time before the switch of the light signal, but the two traffic light signals were
overlapped with two to three seconds of deviation. She suggested that a site visit
with the TD be conducted to discuss how the situation could be improved.
78.
The Vice-chairman proposed that the Chairlady and the Secretariat decide on
the arrangements for site visit after the meeting and thanked the guests for attending
the meeting.
Item 9:
Concern Over the Frequent Illegal Parking on Smithfield and
Cadogan Street
(C&W TTC Paper No. 6/2015)
(4:35 – 4:44 pm)
79.
The Vice-chairman invited discussion on the paper.
views of Members were as follows:
The enquiries and
(a) Mr CHAN Hok-fung agreed that the TD had taken prompt action this time by
providing double yellow lines along the road section concerned within a
short period of time, yet there was still a serious problem of illegal parking.
He had witnessed that three buses running route 43M were obstructed due to
illegal parking at Cadogan Street. Furthermore, some vehicles parked and
loaded or unloaded goods at double yellow lines at Smithfield and Rock Hill
Street in the morning every day. He hoped that the Police could step up
enforcement actions to strengthen the deterrent effect.
(b) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai pointed out that the said location was a black spot of
illegal parking in Sai Wan. Police figures showed that there was an average
of 200 cases of illegal parking per month which often caused traffic
congestion. He proposed that apart from providing double yellow lines, the
department should also reserve space for loading and unloading of goods
vehicles near the MTR station at Smithfield.
(c) Mr YEUNG Hoi-wing pointed out that he walked past Smithfield several
times every day. Despite the provision of double yellow lines, he still saw
loading and unloading of goods vehicles there in the morning every day,
which caused obstruction to buses. Vehicle horns also caused noise
nuisance to the residents in the vicinity. Therefore, he hoped that the Police
could step up enforcement actions to improve the situation.
80.
Miss Shirley LEUNG, Engineer/Central and Western 3 of the TD, responded
that there was still an area for goods loading and unloading at Rock Hill Street and
Forbes Street after the provision of double yellow lines at Smithfield. Apart from
provision of double yellow lines, the department would also erect additional traffic
signs to provide clearer instructions.
- 21 -
81.
Mr LAU Wing-fu, Officer-in-Charge, District Traffic Team (Western District)
of the HKPF, said that the Police would instruct frontline staff to take
stringent enforcement actions at the said location. If it was futile to issue fixed
penalty tickets at Cadogan Street and Forbes Street, the Police would tow away
illegally parked vehicles subject to circumstances. The Police would prosecute the
owners of the goods vehicles loading or unloading illegally at Smithfield by way of
summons and would also instruct frontline staff to step up inspection and prosecution
during the said period. He added that since the opening of Kennedy Town Station,
the Police had paid more attention to the traffic condition and stepped up enforcement
action there.
82.
The Vice-chairman thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 10:
Strong Request for Immediate Rearrangement of the Location of Bus
Stops and Minibus Stands in front of the Chinese General Chamber of
Commerce Building
(C&W TTC Paper No. 7/2015)
(4:44 pm to 4:55 pm)
83.
The Vice-chairman invited discussion on the paper.
views of Members were as follows:
The enquiries and
(a) Mr CHAN Hok-fung said that the paper was put forward before the
commissioning of the WIL. However, most Sai Wan bound bus routes saw
a drop in patronage at present and the situation of the bus stops and minibus
stands in front of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Building was
also improved. He said that arrangement could be made later after
observing the situation.
(b) Mr Joseph CHAN pointed out that other than the large number of passengers
at the bus stops, it would also lead to traffic congestion at the traffic light at
the front of westbound Connaught Road Central if passengers could not
board the bus quickly, thereby affecting the traffic of the roundabout in front
of the World-Wide House or even eastbound Connaught Road Central and
extending the congestion to the One International Finance Centre. The
implication was extensive and thus the department should reconsider the
queuing arrangements for passengers at the road junction and the bus stops.
84.
Miss Yvonne TSUI, Senior Transport Officer of the TD, said that the
department had conducted a site visit at the bus stops in front of the Chinese General
Chamber of Commerce Building during afternoon peak hours upon the
commissioning of the WIL and noticed that passenger boarding and bus pull-over
were generally in good order during the period. In regard to the proposal to relocate
six bus routes westward to Queen Victoria Street, as the section of Connaught Road
Central between Queen Victoria Street and Pottinger Street was only 70 metres long,
the addition of the six bus routes would affect the duration buses could pull over. On
the other hand, the pavement at the junction would be widened and traffic control
measures would be implemented later to tie in with lift installation at the footbridge
- 22 -
near Pottinger Street. Therefore, the department had to evaluate the traffic condition
in front of the Nexxus Building and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce
Building later this year before making arrangements. Moreover, concerning the
problem of illegal parking outside the World-Wide House, the department had written
to the Police for more stringent enforcement to improve traffic condition.
85.
The Vice-chairman commenced the second round of discussion on the paper.
The enquiries and views of Members were as follows:
(a) Mr Joseph CHAN said that the relocation of bus stops would increase the
walking time of passengers, but it would reduce the waiting time of
passengers if traffic was improved. Moreover, he pointed out that the traffic
congestion at the road section was very serious and it took him half an hour
to drive to the bus stops outside the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce
Building via the roundabout in front of the World-Wide House from the car
park of the International Finance Centre at 6:30 pm. Although police
officers were directing traffic in the vicinity of the World-Wide House, they
would overlook the traffic travelling from the eastbound lane to the
westbound lane from time to time, with a tailback from eastbound Connaught
Road Central to the Harbour Building. He hoped that the TD and the Police
could pay more attention in this regard.
(b) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai said that the order at the location of the above bus stops
was significantly improved upon the commissioning of the WIL and thus he
agreed to make an observation before improving the arrangement.
(c) Mr Thomas NG pointed out that many vehicles travelling from the eastbound
lane to the westbound lane via the roundabout of Pedder Street at Connaught
Road Central pulled over to the left. Thus the department should consider
extending the solid line at the westbound lane to prevent vehicles from
changing lanes immediately when travelling to the westbound lane, which
caused road obstruction.
86.
The Vice-chairman thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 11:
Request for Installation of Back Panels at Tram Stations in Sheung
Wan, Sai Ying Pun and Sai Wan
(C&W TTC Paper No. 8/2015)
(4:55 pm – 5:05 pm)
87.
The Vice-chairman invited discussion on the paper.
views of Members were as follows:
The enquiries and
(a) Mr CHAN Hok-fung said that some residents had expressed their hope of the
installation of back panels at tram stations in Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun and
Sai Wan, so as to reduce the nuisance to residents arising from emissions and
hot exhaust from vehicles on the roads when they were waiting for trams.
The situation was particularly serious in summer at the tram stations outside
the Western Police Station and Water Street, which were also bus stops and in
- 23 -
front of traffic lights. He hoped that the tram company would install
advertising back panels there with a view to increasing advertising revenue
and improving the queuing situation of residents.
(b) Miss SIU Ka-yi agreed to the installation of advertising back panels in order
to increase the advertising revenue of the tram company and benefit the
general public.
(c) Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan pointed out that a number of residents had
expressed their hope of the installation of advertising back panels. In the
response of the tram company, back panels were currently installed in the
districts with commercial value only. He opined that the response of the
tram company was discouraging, he enquired if the tram company had no
schedule and plan to install back panels.
(d) Mr WONG Kin-shing indicated that he had suggested the installation of back
panels when tram fares increased four years ago. At that time, the tram
company said that it would actively consider the suggestion, but there had
been no improvement so far. He said that in addition to commercial value,
back panels could also protect queuing residents from water splash from
vehicles passing by during rainy days. He asked the tram company to
actively consider the installation of back panels as early as possible despite
the absence of advertising revenue.
88.
Mr David WONG, Operations Manager of the Hong Kong Tramways, said
that the company would actively consider the technical feasibility of the installation of
back panels, and study the preferences of advertisers with the advertising agency. In
particular, the commissioning of the WIL brought about changes to district
environment that might attract more interested advertisers. However, the tram
company did not have a specific timetable so far. In addition, as costs would be
incurred in the installation of back panels, the tram company would consequentially
exert pressure on the advertising agency to solicit advertisers. The installation of
back panels also involved technical issues, the tram company would first consider
installing back panels at the tram stations in front of traffic lights if time was ripe.
Generally speaking, with higher pedestrian flow and more space in these stations,
technical issues would be few.
89.
The Vice-chairman commenced the second round of discussion on the paper.
The enquiries and views of Members were as follows:
(a) Mr WONG Kin-shing enquired if money was the real concern of the tram
company instead of technical issues. He hoped that the tram company, as a
company serving the general public, would respond to the request of the
public. On soliciting advertisers, he pointed out that the tram company
could require the advertising agency to sell advertising spaces in a bundle.
For instance, an advertiser that placed advertisements in Central must also
place advertisements in Sai Wan. In any case, the tram company should
first install back panels.
(b) Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan said that the tram company had talked business in
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its response that it would only install back panels when there were
advertisements.
90.
Mr David WONG said that the technical issues faced by the tram company
were irrelevant to advertisements. He indicated that the installation of back panels
would require the submission of technical information such as structural appraisal to
government departments for approval regardless of advertisements. The tram
company was confident in overcoming the technical issues. Nevertheless, as costs
were incurred in the installation of back panels, the tram company hoped to study the
feasibility of absorbing the relevant costs with advertising income. The tram
company would also consider the feasibility of selling advertising spaces in a bundle
with the advertising agency.
91.
The Vice-chairman thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Chairlady chaired the discussion on the remaining agenda items.
The
Item 12:
Proposed Provision of a New Bus Route Running With Single-decked
Buses to and from Conduit Road in Order to Relieve the Urgent Need
of the Local Residents
(C&W TTC Paper No. 10/2015)
(5:05 pm - 5:23 pm)
92.
The Chairlady invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The enquiries and views of
(a) Mr Jackie CHEUNG said that there were 68 private residential buildings on
Conduit Road, with an estimated population of over 10 000. Accordingly,
there was a certain traffic demand. However, only three GMB routes ran
via Conduit Road. Many residents had to walk to Robinson Road for public
transport, which increased the traffic load of Robinson Road. He hoped to
conduct a site visit so that the TD could explain the reasons for not providing
an additional bus route on the spot.
(b) Miss LO Yee-hang agreed to the response of the TD that Conduit Road was
narrow and winding with limited space for widening the carriageway.
Moreover, as the traffic was extremely congested during morning peak hours,
the traffic condition of Conduit Road would deteriorate if buses ran via the
road. In addition, residents could go to Robinson Road to take bus easily as
many buildings along Conduit Road had rear doors leading to Robinson
Road. She considered that the department could learn about the genuine
needs of residents through questionnaire survey.
(c) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai pointed out that it was quite dangerous that buses
running via Conduit Road needed to travel via the steep Garden Road.
(d) Mr KAM Nai-wai said that it was good to provide more bus routes to serve
the public, but the feasibility must be taken into consideration. Since some
sections of Conduit Road were extremely narrow, the buses running the new
route, if provided, would need to travel to Garden Road from Kotewall Road
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via Conduit Road. It would be quite dangerous for single-decked buses to
travel via this circuitous and narrow carriageway. He doubted the feasibility
of arranging buses to travel via Conduit Road.
(e) The Chairlady said that she realised the traffic demand of the residents living
along Conduit Road and she had conducted several discussions with the TD.
However, since Conduit Road was connected to Glenealy to the east and
Kotewall Road to the west respectively, together with the length limit of
vehicles, buses could not enter Conduit Road from the said roads. In view
of this, a few months ago, she had sought to provide morning special service
of GMB route 3 to serve the residents living along Conduit Road.
93.
Mr Philip LAM, Engineer/Central and Western 2 of the TD, said that unless
large-scale road widening works were carried out, it would be difficult for franchised
buses of the current types and lengths to run via the narrow and winding Conduit
Road.
94.
The Chairlady commenced the second round of discussion on the paper. Mr
Jackie CHEUNG said that a site visit should be carried out so that the TD could point
out the difficulties and limitations on the spot. Widening of road sections could be
considered even if the carriageway was too narrow.
95.
Miss Yvonne TSUI, Senior Transport Officer/Central and Western of the TD,
said that even a single-decked franchised bus of the smallest size was over 10 metres
long and weighted over 8 tonnes, which exceeded the current limit that no vehicles
weighing over 5.5 tonnes were allowed to enter Glenealy. As buses turning onto
Conduit Road from Kotewall Road could only make a turn by running on both
eastbound and westbound traffic lanes of Conduit Road, it was not suitable for
single-decked franchised buses to run via the road. Furthermore, heavy vehicles
should not run via Glenealy with a gradient of as high as 1:5. Road widening was
not feasible as Conduit Road was narrow and winding, with slopes on the sides of
some road sections which had no pavement.
96.
Mr Philip LAM said that a site visit at Conduit Road might not reflect the
actual circumstances. In order to reveal the actual limitations during the proposed
site visit, cooperation of relevant departments and franchised bus companies was
required and the type of bus concerned should be deployed for a trial run. At the
same time, he pointed out that vehicles weighing over 5.5 tonnes were prohibited
from entering Glenealy. Buses could only turn onto Conduit Road from Kotewall
Road where they needed to make a turn by running on both eastbound and westbound
traffic lanes.
97.
Mr Joseph CHAN pointed out that during the past discussions on the issues
concerned, he had suggested the TD require bus companies to procure buses of
smaller size for running on the Mid-levels and the Peak routes. Currently, the buses
on some routes were of such a long length that bus drivers inevitably encroached onto
another lane when driving on the narrow and winding carriageway. If The TD had
accepted his suggestion and seriously considered procuring smaller buses, the
problem might have been solved. He also said past experience had shown that trial
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runs of buses during site visits required sufficient preparatory work, he doubted
whether Conduit Road, which was adjacent to hillsides, was suitable for trial runs.
98.
The Chairlady proposed conducting a site visit by way of walking along the
road, the arrangement would be made by the TD and the Secretariat after the meeting.
She thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 13:
Request for Reviewing Afresh the Cancellation of the Bus Lane along
the Westbound Caine Road, and for Studying the Feasibility of
Allowing Taxis to Use this Bus Lane within the Current Restricted
Hours after Commissioning of the MTR West Island Line
(C&W TTC Paper No. 11/2015)
(5:23 pm – 5:30 pm)
99.
The Chairlady invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The enquiries and views of
(a) Mr Jackie CHEUNG welcomed the TD’s review on whether to open the bus
lane on Caine Road to other vehicles after the commissioning of the WIL.
He pointed out that many residents in the vicinity of Caine Road had
complained about the extremely inconvenient transportation to home and
some had even moved home for this reason.
(b) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai indicated that the reduction in the number of schools
near Caine Road had greatly lessened the pressure on the westbound traffic in
the Mid-levels. Moreover, in the light of population ageing, the TD had to
conduct a questionnaire survey and review whether to open the bus lane on
Caine Road as early as possible to provide convenience to residents.
(c) The Chairlady indicated that the bus lane on Caine Road was designated 40
years ago, when the traffic demand at that time was very much different from
the present. The original purpose of designating a bus lane on Caine Road
was to facilitate the traffic to and from the Southern District, which was now
connected by the Aberdeen Tunnel. In this regard, she agreed to open the
bus lane on Caine Road as early as possible, and priority could be given to
taxis for trial run.
100.
Mr Philip LAM, Engineer/Central &Western 2 of the TD, said that the TD
had realised Members’ concerns over the bus lane on westbound Caine Road. Upon
the commissioning of the WIL and the implementation of the re-organisation plans,
the TD would conduct a detailed review on whether to open the bus lane on Caine
Road for use by other vehicles and introduce improvement measures accordingly.
101.
The Chairlady asked Members to vote on the motion. After voting, the
following motion proposed by Mr Thomas NG, Mr Jackie CHEUNG and Mr YIP
Wing-shing was passed:
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Motions: (1) To conduct a comprehensive assessment or review of
opening the bus lane along Caine Road westbound for use by
other kinds of vehicles and study the feasibility of cancelling
such bus lane as soon as possible.
(2) To open the bus lane along Caine Road westbound for
use by taxis within the current restricted hours for trial run
as soon as possible after commissioning of the MTR West
Island Line.
(20 Members voted for the motion: Ms CHENG Lai-king, Mr HUI Chi-fung
(authorised Ms CHENG Lai-king to vote on his behalf), Mr YIP Wing-shing,
Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr IP Kwok-him (authorised Mr CHAN Hok-fung to
vote on his behalf), Mr KAM Nai-wai, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai, Mr CHAN
Choi-hi, Mr Sidney LEE, Dr Malcolm LAM (authorised Mr CHAN
Chit-kwai to vote on his behalf), Miss SIU Ka-yi, Miss LO Yee-hang, Mr
Jackie CHEUNG, Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan (authorised Mr CHAN
Hok-fung to vote on his behalf), Mr Thomas NG, Mr WONG Kin-shing, Mr
CHAN Tsz-kwan, Mr CHAN Wing-ho, Mr WONG Sai-kit and Mr YEUNG
Hoi-wing)
(No Member voted against the motion)
(No Member abstained from voting)
102.
The Chairlady thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 14:
Potential Hazard of Accidents Arising out of the Chaotic Traffic
Situation on the Carriageway along Lyttelton Road
(C&W TTC Paper No. 12/2015)
(5:30 pm – 5:44 pm)
103.
The Chairlady invited discussion on the paper.
Members were as follows:
The enquiries and views of
(a) Mr CHAN Choi-hi referred to the HKPF’s statistics which showed that a
total of 302 tickets against illegal parking had been issued at Lyttelton Road
last year, revealing the gravity of illegal parking. He enquired how the
HKU would inform road users of the new arrangement to be implemented
from 1 February.
(b) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai welcomed the prompt response and improved
arrangement of the HKU. It could be seen from the statistics provided by
the HKPF and the HKU that the increased traffic flow along Lyttelton Road,
coupled with illegal parking, had easily given rise to congestion, which had
to be tackled. He then highlighted the problem that many motorists were
unaware of the need to stop and give way when turning to Lyttelton Road
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from Babington Path. He therefore suggested that the TD provide a “stop
and give way” sign at the road junction to direct motorists in order to reduce
the number of accidents.
(c) Mr KAM Nai-wai said that he was a resident of Lyttelton Road. He agreed
with the TD that the road traffic of that road section was not busy. However,
with a high traffic flow at noon time, the road would be obstructed when
vehicles were parking on the roadside. He enquired of the HKU about the
actual rate of usage by vehicles during the “Occupy Central” movement.
He also pointed out that diversion of traffic to the HKU might alleviate the
traffic load on Bonham Road. If the HKU dispensed with the arrangement
of providing motorists with a 30-minute free parking period before leaving
the campus via the Lyttelton Road Exit, it might affect motorists driving to
the Mid-levels from the Southern District. He opined that the current
problem could be solved through stepping up enforcement actions by the
Police, and the provision of the “stop and give way” sign by the TD at the
junction of Babington Path.
104.
Mr Philip LAM, Engineer/Central and Western 2 of the TD, said that
Lyttelton Road was currently a main road, as the section between Babington Path and
Lyttelton Road was an up ramp, the traffic flow would be relatively slow. At present,
the “give way” sign and road markings had been provided at the junction to remind
motorists to give way to traffic on major road. In consideration of the geographical
environment in the early years, several metered parking spaces were provided at
Lyttelton Road adjacent to the Cambridge Gardens. If it was necessary to provide a
standard width of traffic lane with clear sight, cancellation of the parking spaces
concerned could be considered. As for the suggestion of extending the existing
no-stopping restriction time periods from morning and evening peak hours to
non-peak hours or round the clock, he indicated that the measure concerned should be
carefully considered as it would cause inconvenience to residents. If the current
situation was acceptable, he suggested observing the situation before carrying out
improvement measures.
105.
Mr Teddy WONG, Senior Security Manager of the Estates Office of the
HKU, responded that in the past, the Lyttelton Road Exit recorded an average hourly
usage rate of three vehicles only. However, since September 2014, the average
hourly usage rate rose to 30 vehicles, in which only 10% to 20% of the vehicles were
those of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the HKU. The HKU did not
encourage external motorists to use the road section in the HKU as a shortcut. As
the Lyttelton Road Exit was set up merely to divert the vehicular traffic brought by the
the “3-3-4” curriculum, the 30-minute free parking period provided to motorists using
the Lyttelton Road Exit would be revoked to relieve the pressure on vehicular traffic
from Lyttelton Road and the campus. During the initial implementation period, the
HKU would erect temporary traffic signage, and arrange traffic attendants to conduct
on-site monitoring and remind motorists of this new measure.
106.
The Chairlady commenced the second round of discussion on the paper.
The enquiries and views of Members were as follows:
(a) Mr CHAN Chit-kwai agreed that the TD could provide the “stop and give
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way” sign on Babington Path, but he objected to the cancellation of the
metered parking spaces given that the number of metered parking spaces in
the district was already very limited. He did not object to the setting up of a
no-stopping restricted zone at noon time, but he was of the view that the
needs of all parties should be thoroughly considered and balanced.
(b) Mr KAM Nai-wai did not agree to the establishment of a restricted zone at
noon time. He pointed out that the most serious problem at the moment was
road obstruction at Lyttelton Road caused by illegal parking there. He also
objected to the cancellation of the metered parking spaces because they were
already very minimal in the district. He agreed with the TD’s provision of
the “stop and give way” sign at the junction of Babington Path and Lyttelton
Road. Moreover, he proposed the Police to step up enforcement actions.
He also opined that the HKU should not be too hasty in implementing the
fee-charging arrangement, it would be desirable to provide sufficient notice
period to inform the public of the new arrangement.
107.
The Chairlady thanked the guests for attending the meeting.
Item 15:
Action Checklists on Matters Arising from the Last Meeting
(C&W TTC Paper No. 13/2015)
(5:45 pm)
108.
The Committee noted the paper.
Item 16:
(5:45 pm)
109.
Any Other Business
There was no other business.
Item 17:
(5:45 pm)
Date of the Next Meeting
110.
The Chairlady announced that the next TTC meeting would be held on 16
April 2015. The paper submission deadline for government departments would be
23 March 2015, while the deadline for Members would be 27 March 2015.
111.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm.
The minutes were
confirmed on 16 April 2015
Chairlady: Ms CHENG Lai-king
Secretary: Miss Noel HUI
Secretariat of the Central and Western District Council
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April 2015
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