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Author Archives: hksar gov

LCQ20: MTR fare adjustment

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):

Question:

     Currently, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) makes its annual fare adjustments in accordance with the Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM). After a joint review of FAM with the Government in 2017, MTRCL agreed to increase the fare concessions to be provided under the Profit Sharing Mechanism (PSM), with the amounts of the fund to be set aside for concessions being prescribed in a pre-determined tiered table of underlying business profits. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider requesting MTRCL to, apart from providing fare concessions in accordance with PSM, directly set aside a certain percentage of its property and rental revenue for the provision of additional fare concessions; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether it has plans to propose, in the next review of FAM to be conducted jointly with MTRCL, the incorporation of “the public’s affordability of transport fares” and “MTRCL’s profitability” as factors for consideration under FAM; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) given that the handling of the fare increases accumulated over the last two years in accordance with FAM (i.e. 1.58 per cent) that should be recouped will be deferred to next year, whether the Government has plans to propose, in the next review of FAM to be conducted jointly with MTRCL, the inclusion in FAM of a time limit for recouping fare increases; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:

President,

     The current Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) has been adopted since the rail merger in 2007, replacing the fare autonomy MTRCL then enjoyed. The FAM is an objective and transparent mechanism, using a direct-drive formula in determining the fare adjustment rate. According to calculation based on the FAM formula, the MTR fare in 2021 will reduce by 1.85 per cent. New fares will take effect on June 27, 2021.

     My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Han-pan is as follows:

     The “Profitability-Linked Arrangement” was introduced into FAM after the review in 2013 in response to public concern about the correlation between MTRCL’s profitability and fare adjustment. According to the “Profitability-Linked Arrangement”, MTRCL will set aside an amount of fare concessions to be shared with passengers each year corresponding to the underlying business profit level in the previous year by reference to a pre-determined tiered table. The underlying business profits include profits from all MTRCL businesses, i.e. profits from Hong Kong transport operations, Hong Kong station commercial business, Hong Kong property rental and management business, property developments, as well as profit from MTRCL’s non-local ventures (profit arising from investment property revaluation is excluded).

     After the FAM review in 2017, MTRCL increased the amount of fare concession allocated under different profit levels, and raised the ceiling of the profit amount to be shared each year. The pre-determined tiered table under the current “Profitability-Linked Arrangement” is set out at Annex.

     Moreover, to take into account the public’s affordability, the “Affordability Cap” arrangement was introduced into FAM after the review in 2013, whereby the effective fare increase pursuant to the FAM formula should not be higher than the change in the Median Monthly Household Income in the corresponding period. The “Affordability Cap” arrangement was activated in 2019 and 2020. Since there will be fare reduction this year, the fare adjustment rate to be recouped due to the “Affordability Cap” arrangement will be carried forward according to the mechanism.

     Under the Operating Agreement entered into between the Government and MTRCL, the next FAM review will be completed by 2023. Every time when the Government carries out the review, it will consult different sectors in the community on issues including the correlation between the profit level and fares of MTRCL, affordability of the public, and arrangements for handling the fare increase to be recouped, etc. and negotiate with MTRCL in order to formulate a proposal that can strike a balance among different views. read more

LCQ15: Traffic management and law enforcement

     Following is a question by the Hon Wilson Or and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that the situation of illegal parking has become increasingly serious in recent years, and one of the causes for this is the shortage of car parking spaces. Moreover, this Council passed in November last year a Member’s motion not intended to have legislative effect, urging the Government to take measures to alleviate road traffic congestion, including increasing the supply of commercial vehicle parking spaces and public car parking spaces. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as the Transport Department has indicated that the newly revised standards for parking facilities in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines will be promulgated immediately after consultation with the relevant stakeholders, of the promulgation date of such standards;

(2) given that the Government plans to develop a new Traffic e-Enforcement System to reduce traffic accidents and illegal parking through efficient traffic law enforcement actions, thereby alleviating the traffic congestion caused by such situations, of the expected effectiveness of the said system in quantifiable terms;

(3) given that the Police have, since September last year, implemented traffic management measures in the Kwun Tong Business Area to tackle the problems of traffic congestion black spots and illegal parking in the area, whether it has evaluated if such measures have achieved notable results; if it has evaluated and the outcome is in the affirmative, whether it will extend such measures to other districts where the problem of illegal parking is serious; and

(4) apart from the measures mentioned in (2) and (3), of other practicable measures in place to solve the traffic congestion problem caused by illegal parking and shortage of car parking spaces?

Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government’s existing policy on the provision of car parking spaces is to accord priority to considering and meeting the parking demand of commercial vehicles (CVs), and to provide an appropriate number of private car (PC) parking spaces if the overall development permits, but at the same time not to encourage frequent users of public transport to opt for PCs in lieu of public transport, so as to avoid aggravating the road traffic. After consulting the Hong Kong Police Force (the Police) and the Transport Department (TD), my reply to the various parts of the Hon Wilson Or’s question is as follows:

(1) The TD has substantially completed the review of the standards for parking facilities specified in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG), and consulted relevant stakeholders. The Government will promulgate revised parking standards after duly considering the views gathered. The revised parking standards will increase the number of PC parking spaces in private and public housing developments and the number of CV parking spaces in public housing in future.

(2) At present, the workflow of traffic enforcement is mainly operated manually. Since March 2020, the Police has progressively commenced an e-Ticketing Pilot Scheme (the Pilot Scheme). Under the Pilot Scheme, frontline law enforcement officers use their mobile devices to retrieve or input data on illegally parked vehicles and offending drivers and instantly print out the fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

     Electronic traffic enforcement can improve the current workflow which will in turn enhance the overall enforcement accuracy and efficiency. The Pilot Scheme has demonstrated that issuing FPNs by electronic means can significantly reduce the number of FPNs withdrawn due to human errors and shorten the processing time of FPN issuance by about 15 minutes. By taking more efficient and prudent traffic enforcement actions, it may more effectively deter vehicle owners and drivers from committing traffic offences and foster good driving attitude, which is conducive to reducing traffic accidents and illegal parking, thereby alleviating traffic congestion in the long run.

     Given the effectiveness of the Pilot Scheme, the Police has proposed to develop a new Traffic e-Enforcement System for processing the FPNs and summons applications relating to traffic contraventions by electronic means. The system will also manage all traffic enforcement related information and data with a view to facilitating traffic management work of the Police.

     The Government consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on the proposed system in April 2021, and will seek funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council within this legislative year for developing the proposed system.

(3) The Police has been very concerned about the traffic conditions in the Kwun Tong Business Area (KTBA) and has implemented a host of traffic management measures in that area during weekdays since September 2020. These include deployment of police officers to direct traffic at the dominant entrances, as well as exits of the KTBA (viz. Hoi Yuen Road roundabout, Lai Yip Street/Wai Yip Street junction and Chong Yip Street/How Ming Street junction) and to advise and warn the drivers not to stop, park and pick up/drop off illegally. In November 2020, the Kwun Tong Police District set up the District Traffic Enforcement Team dedicated to handling of traffic complaints and scenes of traffic accidents in the district. Regarding the enforcement against illegal parking, the Police is taking actions against illegally parked vehicles at irregular hours on a daily basis to enhance the deterrent effect. For illegal parking that causes obstruction to traffic or endangers other road users, the Police will issue multiple FPNs for continuous illegal parking and tow away the vehicles concerned, in order to achieve greater deterrent effect. In the first quarter of 2021, the Police issued a total of about 32 000 FPNs against illegal parking in the Kwun Tong Police District, representing an increase of nearly 50 per cent as compared with about 22 000 FPNs issued in the same period in 2020. The Police stated that the traffic management measures implemented so far have been effective, and have received support from the public and stakeholders in the district. In the first quarter of 2021, the number of traffic complaints concerning the district received by the Kwun Tong Police District is 10 per cent less as compared with that of the same period last year. The Police will continue with the efforts in order to further improve the traffic conditions during peak hours in the area, and will keep on deploying resources flexibly according to the actual traffic conditions in various districts, as well as taking targeted enforcement actions during peak hours, with a view to changing the behaviour of drivers that contravenes the law.

(4) The Government adopts a multi-pronged strategy to alleviate road traffic congestion, including efforts to improve transport infrastructure, expand and enhance public transportation system, as well as managing the use of road. In addition to the aforementioned measures, the Government has all along been actively pursuing a host of short- and medium- to long-term measures to increase car parking spaces as appropriate, which include:

(a) designating suitable on-street locations as night-time parking spaces for CVs;

(b) encouraging schools to allow student service vehicles to park within school premises after school hours;

(c) requiring provision of parking spaces at the higher end of the current parking standards specified in the HKPSG for all new developments, prior to the promulgation of revised standards under HKPSG; and

(d) taking forward pilot projects on automated parking systems, and providing new public car parks in suitable “Government, Institution or Community” facilities and public open space projects following the principle of “single site, multiple uses”. Subject to technical feasibility and timely funding approval, about 20 suitable works projects are expected to provide a total of around 5 100 public parking spaces in batches and are expected to complete gradually from 2024-25 onwards.

     The TD and the Police have all along been working closely with the Road Safety Council on using various suitable ways and channels, such as producing publicity video clips, leaflets as well as Road Safety Bulletin, and making use of social media platforms and through organising events, to call on drivers to comply with road safety regulations, thereby alleviating the problem of illegal parking and traffic obstruction. The Government will continue to step up related efforts in publicity and education. read more

CHP investigates four additional confirmed cases of COVID-19

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, June 9, the CHP was investigating four additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 873 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 872 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     All of the newly reported cases are imported cases.
 
     A total of 33 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (May 26 to June 8) including three local cases of which one is from unknown sources.

     The CHP’s epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
 
     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to compulsory testing notices (CTNs). The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to CTNs published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop, and undergo testing as soon as possible.

     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).
 
     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
     The spokesman said, “Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases including mutant strains reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
     “The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19, and, generally speaking, vaccines can also reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Members of the public are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their vaccination appointments at the website (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp).
 
     “As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.”
 
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the “StayHomeSafe” mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 

  • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
  • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
  • Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
  • After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
  • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
read more

LCQ10: Transport facilities in New Territories North

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Lo Wai-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):

Question:

     The development projects being taken forward in New Territories North (NTN) and North East New Territories can accommodate a population of more than 800 000 upon completion. Some residents of NTN have pointed out that currently they mainly rely on the Tolo Highway and the MTR East Rail Line to travel to and from the urban areas. As such transport facilities have reached their maximum capacity during peak hours, they can hardly cope with the additional transport demand arising from these development projects. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective (i) average vehicular flow (vehicle/hour) and (ii) average vehicular speed (kilometre/hour) of the Tolo Highway and the Fanling Highway (southbound and northbound) during peak hours in each of the past three years;

(2) as the Government indicated in January this year that it had commenced the strategic studies beyond 2030 in respect of railways and trunk roads, which included exploring proposals to construct a new north-south railway and improve the north-south road network, of the progress of the studies concerned (including the preliminary proposed railway alignment); and

(3) as the Government has indicated that if the proposed Northern Link spur line is re-routed to the Lok Ma Chau Loop and connects with the redeveloped Huanggang Port, it will help strengthen the cross-boundary transport links and those between the Loop and the urban areas, and the Government has thus requested the MTR Corporation Limited to study the feasibility and benefits of this option, of the timetable for the relevant work?
 
Reply:

President,

     Our reply to various parts of Dr the Hon Lo Wai-kwok’s question is as follows:

(1) The average vehicular flows of Fanling Highway and Tolo Highway at peak hours in 2018 and 2019 (Note 1) are listed in Table 1.  

Table 1
 

Road Direction                    Average vehicular flow per hour
                      at peak hours (Note 2)
                 2018               2019
AM PM AM PM
Fanling Highway Southbound 2 210 2 650 2 310 2 430
Northbound 2 280 2 080 2 090 2 250
Tolo Highway Southbound 6 870 5 580 6 840 5 240
Northbound 4 850 5 790 5 140 6 140         

     The average vehicular speeds of Fanling Highway and Tolo Highway at peak hours from 2018 to 2020 are listed in Table 2.
 
Table 2
 
Road Direction Average speed at peak hours (Note 2) (km/hr)
2018 2019 2020
AM PM AM PM AM PM
Fanling Highway (Note 3) Southbound 68 74 80
Northbound 70 76 82
Tolo
Highway
Southbound 47 68 28 71 49 76
Northbound 61 55 72 72 75 74

Note 1: Traffic volume statistics in Annual Traffic Census are currently available up to 2019. The Transport Department (TD) does not have relevant figures of 2020.

Note 2: The relevant data were collected from different surveys. Peak hours generally refer to the periods from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. The figures in Table 1 indicated the traffic situation during the above mentioned periods, whereas the vehicular speeds in Table 2 were collected during the busiest periods of the peak hours (i.e. from 8am to 9.30am and from 5pm to 7pm).

Note 3: TD does not have the average vehicular speed data of Fanling Highway during the evening peak hours.
 
(2) The Highways Department and TD commenced the “Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads beyond 2030” in December 2020. Based on the final development strategy of the “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” planning study which will soon be published by the Development Bureau, the Studies will explore the layout of railway and major road infrastructure, including the connection between new development areas in New Territories North and the urban area, and conduct preliminary engineering and technical assessments for their alignments and supporting facilities, so as to ensure that the planning of large-scale transport infrastructure will complement or even reserve capacity to meet the overall long-term development needs of Hong Kong. The Studies will also examine the impact of the proposed transport infrastructure on the existing transport network in order to formulate the corresponding strategies.
 
     It will take around 38 months and 27 months respectively to complete the railways part and major roads part of the Studies. We will consult the Legislative Council at an appropriate time when preliminary findings of the Studies are available. 
      
(3) According to the recommendation of the Railway Development Strategy 2014, in addition to the main line connecting the Kam Sheung Road Station to the Kwu Tung Station of the proposed Northern Link (NOL), subject to the growth in cross-boundary transport demand, a bifurcation could be added to connect the Kam Sheung Road Station to the existing Lok Ma Chau Station direct.
 
     Based on Shenzhen’s redevelopment plan of the Huanggang Port, the redeveloped Huanggang Port will become a transport hub complex. If the NOL bifurcation is realigned to connect to the redeveloped Huanggang Port through the Lok Ma Chau Loop, it will help strengthen the cross-boundary transport link as well as the connection between the Lok Ma Chau Loop and the urban area. It will also provide another option for citizens and tourists travelling within Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We notice that the Shenzhen authority has stated that space will be reserved in the redeveloped Huanggang Port to enable connection of the NOL bifurcation. This will provide flexibility in the planning of the NOL bifurcation.  
      
     Considering that the optimisation of the Huanggang Port may drive cross-boundary transport demand, we have requested the MTR Corporation Limited to investigate the feasibility and benefits of constructing the NOL bifurcation, so that the Government can consider the way forward of the project in due course.
 
     Railway projects involve huge capital investment, and the Government has to plan in a prudent manner. We will review the need for constructing the NOL bifurcation and its technical and financial feasibility, and will make adjustment to the railway implementation timetable in accordance with the detailed studies, latest demand assessment and availability of resources.
      
     Thank you, President.   read more

CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Philip Wong

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 9) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Philip Wong.

     “Dr Wong had actively taken part in public and community service for a long period of time.  In his various public service roles,  he served as an effective communication link between the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and the Government with distinguished performance. He was a member of the former Legislative Council (LegCo), the Provisional LegCo and the LegCo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), witnessing the return of Hong Kong to the motherland. He also served as a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress to participate in national affairs, contributing to the development of the country. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2003. 

     “I am saddened by the passing of Dr Wong. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Mrs Lam said. read more