1 Minutes of the 2 Meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee

The minutes were confirmed on 12 May 2016 without amendament.

Minutes of the 2nd Meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee under the Yuen Long District Council in 2016

Date: 10 March 2016 (Thursday)

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 5:40 p.m.

Venue: Conference Room, Yuen Long District Council, 13/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr CHING Chan-ming Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Vice-chairman: Mr MAK Ip-sing Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Beginning of the meeting 12:20 p.m. Daniel,BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHAN Sze-ching Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms CHIU Sau-han Beginning of the meeting 3:50 p.m. Mr CHOW Wing-kan Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr KWOK Hing-ping 9:40 a.m. 2:50 p.m. Mr KWOK Keung, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr KWONG Chun-yu Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LAI Wai-hung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms LAU Kwai-yung 10:00 a.m. End of the meeting Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting The Hon Beginning of the meeting 10:00 a.m. LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen Beginning of the meeting 3:50 p.m. Mr LEUNG Ming-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LUI Kin 12:10 p.m. End of the meeting Mr LUK Chung-hung 9:35 a.m. End of the meeting Ms MA Shuk-yin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr MAN Kwong-ming Beginning of the meeting 1:10 p.m. Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH Beginning of the meeting 1:00 p.m. Mr SHUM Ho-kit 9:40 a.m. End of the meeting Mr SIU Long-ming 10:00 a.m. End of the meeting Mr TANG Cheuk-him 9:40 a.m. End of the meeting Mr TANG Cheuk-yin Beginning of the meeting 2:50 p.m. Mr TANG Hing-ip,BBS Beginning of the meeting 3:50 p.m. Mr TANG Ho-nin Beginning of the meeting 1:20 p.m.

Mr TANG Ka-leung 9:50 a.m. End of the meeting Mr TANG Lai-tung Beginning of the meeting 10:45 a.m. Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr TO Ka-lun 9:40 a.m. 2:50 p.m. Mr TSANG Shu-wo Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr WONG Cheuk-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms WONG Wai-ling Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr WONG Wai-shun Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr YIU Kwok-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr YOUNG Ka-on Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms YUEN Man-yee Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Secretary: Ms WONG Pui-ling, Pauline Executive Officer (District Council)2, Yuen Long District Office

In Attendance Mr WU Cheuk-wang, Ricky Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 2, Yuen

Long District Office Mr LAI Sing-chuen, Gary Senior Transport Officer/Yuen Long, Transport

Department Mr YEUNG Engineer/Yuen Long East, Transport Department Shiu-wing, Chris Mr CHAN Kin-fung, Keith Engineer/Yuen Long Central, Transport

Department Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Engineer/Yuen Long West, Transport Department Samuel Mr SHIH Yung-chi District Engineer/YL(W), Highways Department Mr CHIU Chi-yiu District Engineer/YL(E), Highways Department Ms LAM Sze-wing Engineer/16 (NTW), Civil Engineering and

Development Department Mr CHIU Chi-keung District Operations Officer (Yuen Long Dist),

Hong Kong Police Force Mr CHEUNG Kam-wing District Traffic Team (Yuen Long), Hong Kong

Police Force Ms POON Wai-yuen Housing Manager/YLG5, Housing Department Mr WONG Kin-wai, Kelvin Administrative Assistant/Lands (District Lands

Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department

Item 3 & 4 Mr Simon CHAN Chief Project Manager – Property, Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTR Corporation) Mr Lam CHAN Senior Manager (Project and Property Communications), MTR Corporation

Mr Terry CHUI Acting Chief Development Manager,

MTR Corporation Ms POON Yin-yee, Jenny Senior Estate Surveyor/RD/H2 (Railway Development Section/Head Office), Lands Department Miss TSE Wing-sheung, Estate Surveyor/RD/H3 (Railway Development

Doris Section/Head Office), Lands Department Mr. TANG Kam-fai, Keith Chief Engineer/NTW 4 (NTW), Civil Engineering

and Development Department Miss CHEUNG Wai-chung Senior Engineer/ 4 (NTW), Civil Engineering and

Development Department Mr Bosco WONG Executive Director, Transportation (Highways),

Hong Kong, AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr Andy CHAN Technical Director, Transportation (Traffic & Transport Planning), Hong Kong, AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr Vic PUN Associate, Transportation (Highways), Hong

Kong, AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr Felix WO Project Engineer, Transportation (Traffic & Transport Planning), Hong Kong, AECOM Asia Company Limited

Item 3, 4 & 5 Mr WONG Kwong-mo Senior Engineer/North West, Transport

Department

Item 5 Mr LAM Yat-ming Chief Engineer 5/Major Works, Highways

Department Mr NGAI Hon-wah Senior Engineer 3/Tuen Mun Road, Highways

Department Mr HO Tai-cheong, Patrick Senior Engineer/Drainage Projects 4, Drainage

Services Department Mr LEUNG Koon-yu Project Manager, Ove Arup & Partners Hong

Kong Limited Mr Ray TANG Associate, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong

Limited Mr Franki CHIU Director, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong

Limited

Item 6 Ms WONG Yee-fang, Eva Senior Transport Officer/Bus/NTW, Transport

Department Mr WAN Yin-chiu Senior Manager, Community Affairs, the Kowloon

Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd Mr Gary LEUNG Assistant Manager (Planning & Development), ,

the Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd Mr Rob LIU Senior Operations Officer, the Kowloon Motor

Bus Co. (1933) Ltd Mr Albert LEUNG Assistant Operations Manager (Department

Two), Citybus Limited & New World First Bus Services Limited (Citybus & NWFB) Mr Rayson LAW Planning and Supporting Officer I, Long Win

Bus Company Limited (LWB) Mr TSZE Chi-ho Senior Operations Officer, Long Win

Bus Company Limited (LWB)

Item 6, 9(iv), (xvi), (xvii),

(xx), (xxi), (xxii) & (xxv) Mr WAN Yin-chiu Senior Manager, Community Affairs, the Kowloon

Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd.

Item 6, 9(xxii) & (xxv) Mr Rob LIU Senior Operations Officer, the Kowloon Motor

Bus Co. (1933) Ltd

Item 6, 7, 9(xi), (xxii),

(xxiv), (xxvii) & (xxxi) Mr. Albert LEUNG Assistant Operations Manager (Department Two), Citybus Limited & New World First Bus Services Limited (Citybus & NWFB)

Item 6, 9(xxii) & (xxvi) Mr Rayson LAW Planning and Supporting Officer I, Long Win

Bus Company Limited (LWB)

Item 8, 9(i)-(iii), (xx), (xxii),

(xxiv) & (xxxii) Ms Annie LAM Assistant PR Manager – External Affairs, MTR

Corporation Mr Alan KWAN Bus Operations Manager, MTR Corporation

Item 9(ix) Mr CHOW-kit Engineer/HK 2-2, Highways Department

Item 9(xiv) Mr CHOW Kwok-sang Acting Senior Civil Engineer/4, Housing

Department Mr KWOK Ying-wai Civil Engineer/T210 Ms LAM Fung-ping, May Architect 18, Housing Department Mr Nicky LEUNG Project Manager, Hip Hing Engineering Co., Ltd. Mr Dicky LAM Site Agent, Hip Hing Engineering Co., Ltd. Mr Timothy WONG Community Engagement & PR Manager, Hip

Hing Engineering Co., Ltd.

Item 9(xxii) Administrative Manager, New Lantau Bus Co., Mr WONG Wah (1973) Ltd

* * * * *

Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and representatives from Government Departments to the second meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (“T&TC”) under the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”) in 2016, and hoped that everyone cooperated with each other in the next term of the T&TC to solve the traffic problems in Yuen Long District. The Chairman also welcomed students from LST Leung Kau Kui Primary School to observe the meeting, and hoped they would deepen their understanding of the work of the YLDC and its Members through the event.

Item 1: Confirmation of the Minutes of the First Meeting of the T&TC in 2016 2. Minutes of the first meeting were confirmed unanimously.

Item 2: Endorsement of the Setting up of Standing Working Groups under T&TC of the YLDC for the Term 2016-2019 (T&TC Paper No. 39/2016) 3. The Chairman said that, to enhance the efficiency of T&TC in discussing issues and the in-depth discussions on various traffic issues, it was proposed to set up three standing working groups under the T&TC, including (1) “Working Group on Bus Service”, (2) “Working Group on Traffic Congestion in Yuen Long” and (3) “Working Group on Mass Transit Services”, to respectively follow up and discuss issues referred to the Working Groups by the T&TC. The Chairman suggested that the terms of reference for the “Working Group on Bus Service” should follow the previous term, and discuss the 2016 Bus Route Development Programme of Yuen Long District in detail; and that all questions relating to bus service raised in this meeting agenda by Members be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion. He also suggested that the other two Working Groups arrange their first meetings later and implement relevant Terms of Reference.

4. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) The T&TC always had many issues to discuss and the meetings were too long, it was agreed to set up standing Working Groups to discuss various traffic areas, believed that Working Groups could take over the issues referred to them by the T&TC, and it was recommended that the Working Groups submit the issue to the T&TC for further discussion in case of controversies;

(2) The “Working Group on Traffic Congestion in Yuen Long” was suggested to be renamed into “Working Group on Traffic and Pedestrian Congestion in Yuen Long” to highlight the pedestrian;

(3) Concerning the attendance of the Working Groups, it was afraid that the eligibility as a Member of the Working Groups might be affected as Members may not have time to attend some meetings because they have to participate in many other meetings;

(4) The Secretariat was suggested to send the meeting agenda of the Working Groups to all T&TC Members, and Members have the right to join the Working Groups at any time so as to express their views on the issues concerned;

(5) It was suggested that the meetings of the T&TC and the Working Groups being held on the same day for the convenience of the T&TC Members who were also the Members of the Working Groups.

5. The Chairman said, the main objective of setting up Working Groups was to establish different Terms of Reference under the T&TC, so that Members and departmental representatives could devote more time to discussing different traffic issues and coming up with solutions through joint efforts. The Chairman agreed to rename one of the Working Groups into “Working Group on Traffic and Pedestrian Congestion in Yuen Long”and further discuss and determine detailed Terms of Reference at the meetings of the Working Group. The Chairman would also devolve authority to the Chairpersons of the Working Groups so that issues discussed in the Working Groups would not be referred to the T&TC for re-discussion and that Working Groups could decide on the meeting frequency based on the number of issues. With regard to the attendance concerned by Members, the Chairman said that according to Article 45 of the Yuen Long District Council Standing Order, “If a Member of a Working Group (except Councillors) cannot obtain consent from the Working Group as per procedures stipulated in Article 51(1) and has been absent from meetings of the Working Group for three consecutive times, he or she would be automatically disqualified from the membership of the Working Group”, Members would not be disqualified from the membership due to absence from some meetings.

6. Members selected Mr MAK Ip-sing and Ms CHAN Mei-lin as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the “Working Group on Bus Service”; Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary and Mr TO Ka-lun as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the “Working Group on Traffic and Pedestrian Congestion in Yuen Long”; and Mr YIU Kwok-wai and Ms LAU Kwai-yung as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services”.

7. The Chairman expressed his congratulation to the newly-appointed Chairpersons and

Vice Chairpersons of the Working Groups, and hoped that each of them could lead the Working Groups to deeply discuss about different issues and solve traffic problems, and also invited Members who were interested to actively consider joining the Working Groups.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat sent a letter to Members on 17 March to invite them to join the three standing Working Groups under the T&TC. The first meeting of the Working Group on Bus Service, the Working Group on Mass Transit Services and the Working Group on Traffic and Pedestrian Congestion in Yuen Long this year was respectively held on 14, 20 and 28 April.)

Item 3: Proposed Road Works for the West Rail Kam Sheung Road Station Phase 1 Property Development (T&TC Paper No. 43/2016) Item 4: Development at Kam Tin South, Yuen Long – Advance Road and Sewerage Works (T&TC Paper No. 44/2016) 8. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Lands Department Senior Estate Surveyor/RD/Head Office Ms POON Yin-yee, Jenny Estate Surveyor/RD/Head Office Ms TSE Wing-sheung, Doris

Civil Engineering and Development Department Chief Engineer/NTW 4 (NTW) Mr TANG Kam-fai, Keith Senior Engineer/4 (NTW) Ms CHEUNG Wai-chung

Transport Department Senior Engineer/North West Mr WONG Kwong-mo Engineer/Yuen Long East Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris

Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTR Corporation) Chief Project Manager – Property Mr Simon CHAN Senior Manager (Project and Property Mr Lam CHAN Communications)

Acting Chief Development Manager Mr Terry CHUI

AECOM Asia Company Limited Executive Director, Transportation (Highways), Mr Bosco WONG Hong Kong Technical Director, Transportation (Traffic & Mr Andy CHAN Transport Planning), Hong Kong Associate, Transportation (Highways), Hong Mr Vic PUN Kong Project Engineer, Transportation (Traffic & Mr Felix WO Transport Planning), Hong Kong

9. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They reported that many drivers were using the Kam Sheung Road Station as the interchange point of West Rail and currently the park-and-ride facilities at the Kam Sheung Road Station had already been in short supply, and believed that the space for building temporary park-and-ride facilities was smaller than the existing one and was not sufficient enough to cater for the existing actual demands;

(2) They were concerned about the number of parking spaces in the permanent park-and-ride facilities to be built, believed that the number should be increased, or considered building a multi-storey car park to encourage drivers to park and ride and mitigate the road congestion in Yuen Long;

(3) A Member pointed out that currently the West Rail patronage had reached its saturation, and passengers could hardly get on board at the Kam Sheung Road Station during rush hours, so enhancing the park-and-ride facilities would attract more passengers of the Kam Tin South population to ride the West Rail in future, with which the railway supporting facilities could hardly cope.

(4) They were concerned that the huge increase of population in the neighbourhood of Kam Sheung Road in future would result in a huge burden on the traffic of the district, expected that relevant authorities could make a long-term planning and evaluate the impact on the traffic in the neighbourhood, such as loading at Kam Ho Road roundabout, Au Tau roundabout and Pok Oi Roundabout and capacity of Kam Sheung Road;

(5) They pointed out that currently the future locations for passenger pickup and

drop-off of vehicles were not mentioned in papers submitted by relevant Departments, and were afraid if the locations for passenger pickup and drop-off were concentrated at the East Site, pressure might be caused on roads in the neighbourhood;

(6) They pointed out that the Kam Sheung Road had a history of more than 50 years, was narrow and always loaded with heavy vehicles, had seen traffic accidents from time to time, and need to be widened to cope with future development of the district, and that provision of bus bay and lay-by was only a short-term palliative and could not solve the traffic problem in the long run;

(7) They suggested that relevant authorities refer to the successful case of Kam Tin Bypass and build a bypass from Kam Sheung Road to ease traffic congestion and provide another access to the urban areas;

(8) They requested that relevant authorities should include the sewerage system of Pat Heung and Kam Tin market in the project scope instead of locally improving the sewerage system within the scope of new property development; and

(9) They pointed out that proposals submitted by Government Departments were incomplete, and were lack of macro planning, data and actual timetable; recommended that relevant Departments listen to Members' views and reorganise information, and set aside sufficient time for Members to read the papers before consulting the YLDC.

10. Mr TANG Kam-fai, Keith gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) had consulted Pat Heung Rural Committee and Kam Tin Rural Committee with regard to the project and gained their support in principle prior to the meeting;

(2) The short- and medium-term objective was to improve the traffic situations at Kam Sheung Road by adding a bus bay and carrying out improvement works at the interchange of the Kam Sheung Road and the main roads in the vicinity; and

(3) He promised that the widening of Kam Sheung Road be further studied in detail in the next phase.

11. Mr LAI Wai-hung and Mr TANG Yung-yiu proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr CHAM Ka-hung Daniel, BBS, MH, JP, Ms CHIU Sau-han, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, The Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr LUK Chung-hung, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Lai-tung, Mr TO Ka-lun, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr YOUNG Ka-on, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Mr WONG Wai-shun, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH:

“The T&TC requests that in view of development at Kam Tin South, Yuen Long and road works for the West Rail Kam Sheung Road Station Phase 1 property development, a long-term traffic improvement supporting scheme should be implemented so as to solve the traffic problem thoroughly, including widening the entire Kam Sheung Road, opening up a new road to match with development, and connecting of Kam Tin Road and Kam Sheung Road; or will resolutely oppose it.”

12. Members voted on the above-mentioned motion by show of hands and open ballot. Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr CHAM Ka-hung Daniel, BBS, MH, JP, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms CHIU Sau-han, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee voted for the motion. Mr KWOK Keung, MH abstained from voting.

13. The Chairman summarised that with 29 votes in favour, zero against and one abstention, the above motion was carried with an absolute majority.

14. In his conclusion, the Chairman requested Government Departments to submit documents and papers for Members' reference as soon as possible in future. As information submitted by relevant Departments could not satisfy Members, the T&TC currently would not support the authority to commence the “Road Works for the West Rail Kam Sheung Road Station Phase 1 Property Development” and the “Development at Kam Tin South, Yuen Long – Advance Road and Sewerage Works”, and requested relevant Government Departments to actually consider Members' views and prepare supplementary information before consulting the YLDC again later.

Item 5: Elevated Pedestrian Corridor in Yuen Long Town Connecting with Long Ping Station (T&TC Paper No. 1/2016) 15. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Highways Department Chief Engineer 5/Major Works Mr LAM Yat-ming Senior Engineer 3/Tuen Mun Road Mr NGAI Hon-wah

Transport Department Senior Engineer/North West Mr WONG Kwong-mo

Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer/Drainage Projects 4 Mr HO Tai-cheong

Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited (Ova Arup) Project Manager Mr LEUNG Koon-yu Associate Mr Ray Tang Director Mr Franki Chiu

16. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They pointed out that facing with growing population of Yuen Long, it was urgent to ease the at-grade pedestrian congestion problem in Yuen Long Town. Some Members were discontented that the Highways Department had consulted on the pedestrian corridor since 2009 and Members had expressed their views about the design scheme, but the Department had not yet reached a decision, and every consultation turned out to be nothing new, and they wanted to learn about the Department's timetable of commencing the building of the pedestrian corridor;

(2) They remarked that the Highways Department should have obtained certain understanding of the geological conditions in the vicinity prior to the planning and investigation of the project, and should not propose a new design to the YLDC and consult Members on the ground that there were caverns in the underground rock after the YLDC had approved the design direction;

(3) They were concerned if the latest design of the Highways Department would affect the water drainage of the nullah, and if adding a bridge pier to the nullah would cause congestion of the nullah during and after construction; thought that the Department should consult the Drainage Services Department before proposing its design to the YLDC so as to avoid further modification after the new design was approved by the YLDC;

(4) They reported that the T&TC had strongly requested the Highways Department and its consultants to extend the pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road in the previous term, and asked the Department to commence the project as early as possible. Some Members believed that the Department did not attach importance to views of the YLDC;

(5) A Member believed that relevant Government Departments' estimation on future population of Yuen Long was inaccurate, and the population of Yuen Long South would expect increase during and after construction; and hoped that Government Departments take into consideration the factor of population growth when planning and building the pedestrian corridor;

(6) A Member believed if currently relevant Departments could not extend the existing scheme to Ma Tong Road, they should still have to commence the project as early as possible, and extend the pedestrian corridor in the next phase;

(7) Some Members proposed to cover the nullah, believing that the footpath and road could be widened to mitigate the at-grade pedestrian congestion in Yuen Long Town. Some Members were opposed to the proposal and thought that the YLDC had already expressed its views and the proposal should not be brought up again as it had already been rejected;

(8) They enquired about the construction costs respectively of the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor and the proposal of extending the elevated pedestrian corridor to connect the Ma Tong Road, as well as the timetables of project progress; and requested the Department to provide after the meeting a copy of slides presented at the meeting for Members' reference; and

(9) They expressed concern about the coping design of the proposed elevated pedestrian cover with regard to daily cleaning and management in future.

17. Mr LAM Yat-ming gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) There being established procedures for the Government to take forward a large-scale engineering project, after the feasibility study of the engineering project was completed in 2014, the T&TC adopted to support the original scheme of elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town (that is, to build a footbridge connecting the West Rail Long Ping Station, extended south along the nullah of Yuen Long Town, crossing the Yuen Long On Ning Road and the Castle Peak Road (Yuen Long section) till the Kau Yuk Road). The Department had engaged consultants to conduct a survey and detailed design at the end of 2014, and consulted the T&TC about the design of the pedestrian corridor at the meeting. The environmental impact assessment study of the project has almost been completed, and if the project was supported by the YLDC, it was expected to be published on the Gazette in the latter half of this year for public consultation, be submitted to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for review and discussion of funding application in the next year, and be commenced at the end of the 2017. It was estimated that the construction time would be five years till 2022;

(2) According to the preliminary data obtained from the land survey carried out by the end of last year, the geological condition at the location of the proposed evaluated pedestrian corridor was complicated and changed considerably, there were caverns in some rocks, and the surface layers of some rocks were found deeper than 100 meters underground. As the overly deep surface layers were not ideal for the long span bridge design and added more to the risk during construction and of project delay, therefore, it was suggested adding a bridge pier to the nullah of Yuen Long Town to bear some weight of the bridge and share the load on the foundation of the pedestrian interchange;

(3) In view of Members' concern as to if the latest design of the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor would affect the water drainage of the nullah, the Department had been in close contact with the Drainage Services Department, and the existing design was also approved by the Drainage Services Department and would not affect the water drainage of the nullah;

(4) He understood Members' request to extend the elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road, said that consultants had studied the proposal of extending the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road with regard to pedestrian flow and traffic demands according to the existing population and employment data and the growth of population and pedestrian flow of future development projects in Yuen Long District. It was indicated in the study result that currently the need in

extending the corresponding elevated pedestrian corridor could not be identified;

(5) With regard to Members' proposal of extending the elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road, the Department promised that during the construction of the pedestrian corridor it would regularly review the latest development and population data of Yuen Long District, study and evaluate relevant pedestrian flow situations for the purpose of reviewing the need to extend the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road, and would submit to the T&TC for discussion in case of any new development;

(6) For some Members' proposal of covering the nullah so as to widen the footpath, the Department said that pedestrians might still have to use the at-grade crossing facilities to cross the Yuen Long On Ning Road, the Castle Peak Road (Yuen Long section) and the Kau Yuk Road. Therefore, the scheme could not mitigate the at-grade pedestrian congestion of Yuen Long Town;

(7) For estimation of the project construction cost, land survey and detailed design of the project were still under way. As the geological condition at the location of the proposed evaluated pedestrian corridor was complicated and changed considerably, and there were caverns in some rocks, the Department had to complete the corresponding detailed design so as to acquire adequate information and data and estimate the project cost. In addition, if the approximately 540-meter elevated pedestrian corridor was extended about 260 meters to Ma Tong Road, the construction cost would be 50% higher than the anticipated cost while the construction time would also be two dry seasons more before the project could be completed; and

(8) Daily cleaning and management of the coping of the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor would be studied in detailed design.

18. Mr HO Tai-cheong responded that the Drainage Services Department had been discussing with the Highways Department on the design of the elevated pedestrian corridor, and was in favour of the existing scheme.

19. Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr SHUM Ho-kit and Ms YUEN Man-yee proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH:

“The T&TC urges the Government to speed up the project progress of the ‘Elevated Pedestrian Corridor in Yuen Long Town Connecting with Long Ping Station’. The T&TC strongly regretted that the Government had been refusing to connect the elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road, and strongly requested the Government to promise that it would extend the corridor to Ma Tong Road following the Phase I project.”

20. Members voted on the above-mentioned motion by show of hands and open ballot. Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms CHIU Sau-han, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr LUI Kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee voted for the motion. Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr KWONG Chun-yu, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr WONG Wai-shun, and Mr WONG Wai-yin abstained from voting.

21. The Chairman summarised that with 21 votes in favour, zero against and eight abstentions, the above motion was carried with an absolute majority.

22. Mr WONG Wai-yin proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Mr TO Ka-lun and Ms CHAN Mei-lin:

“Considering that the project design of the elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town connecting with Long Ping Station kept changing, and now that the original arched and cable-stayed design had been changed to traditional but simple bridge pier construction, the T&TC believed that there was no need to build the elevated corridor but to cover the nullah of Yuen Long till Ma Tong Road to carry out the works.”

23. Members voted on the above-mentioned motion by show of hands and open ballot. Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr KWONG Chun-yu, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr TO Ka-lun, Ms CHAN Mei-lin and Mr WONG Wai-yin voted for the motion. Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms CHIU Sau-han, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LUI Kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-him and Mr YIU Kwok-wai voted against the motion. Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee abstained from voting.

24. The Chairman summarised that with six votes in favour, ten against and 13 abstentions, the above motion was not adopted.

25. In his conclusion, the Chairman said that the T&TC was in favour of the proposed scheme of elevated pedestrian corridor, and urged the Highways Department to commence and implement the corresponding project as early as possible so as to mitigate the pedestrian congestion problem in Yuen Long Town; and actively considered extending the elevated pedestrian corridor to Ma Tong Road in future.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat passed the copy of slides submitted by the Highways Department to Members through circulation on 18 March, 2015.)

Item 6: 2016-2017 Yuen Long District Bus Route Planning Programme (T&TC Paper No. 2/2016) 26. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Transport Department Senior Transport Officer/Bus/NTW Ms WONG Yee-fang, Eva

The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd Senior Manager, Community Affairs Mr WAN Yin-chiu Assistant Manager (Planning & Development) Mr Gary LEUNG Senior Operations Officer Mr Rob LIU

Citybus Limited & New World First Bus Services Limited (Citybus & NWFB) Assistant Operations Manager (Department Two) Mr Albert LEUNG

Long Win Bus Company Limited (LWB) Planning and Supporting Officer I Mr Rayson LAW Senior Operations Officer Mr TSZE Chi-ho

27. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus

Service” for discussion in detail.

Item 7: Review the Operation of the Citybus Bus Route No. N969 after Re-routing (T&TC Paper No. 3/2016) 28. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Citybus Limited & New World First Bus Services Limited (Citybus & NWFB) Assistant Operations Manager (Department Two) Mr Albert LEUNG

29. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

Item 8: Matters Relating to MTR Bus Route Nos. K75A, K75, K75P and K75S (T&TC Paper No. 4/2016) 30. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

MTR Corporation Assistant PR Manager – External Affairs Ms Annie LAM Bus Operations Manager Mr Alan KWAN

31. The Chairman said that, the original plan was to refer the issue to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for detailed discussion, but it was learnt prior to the meeting that the respective DC Member who was quite concerned about the changes of MTR bus route no. K75 in the previous meeting were in favour of the paper content presented by the MTR in this meeting and hoped that relevant arrangements could be confirmed as soon as possible to benefit residents. Therefore, some time was set aside hereby for the MTR to explain the content of the paper.

32. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were satisfied with the positive response given by the MTR to add a circular bus route K75A running clockwise through Tin Ha to Hung Shui Kiu and then to MTR Tin Shui Wai Station to the existing bus route nos. K75, K75P and K75S; believed that the proposal made this time would help address the transport issue of residents at Tin Ha Road to nearby West Rail stations; and hoped that relevant measures could be implemented as soon as possible; and

(2) They were concerned about the traffic pressure posed by full occupation of the Hung Fuk Estate, urged the MTR and the Transport Department to review the effect of the route reorganisation three months after it was implemented.

33. Ms Annie LAM remarked that this route reorganisation was proposed after months of detailed statistics and observation following the MTR's bus service enhancement programme of route no. K75 last year to cater for passenger demands. Under relevant proposal made, bus route nos. K75 and K75A were running in different directions to complement with each other and meet different passenger demands. She also said that a review would be made after the new service had been launched for a while.

34. In conclusion, the Chairman hoped the MTR could commence relevant re-routing as early as possible to meet residents' demands.

Item 9: Questions Raised by Members (i) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss the long queue for MTR bus route no. K76 (T&TC Paper No. 5/2016) 35. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(ii) Mr YOUNG Ka-on proposed to discuss lost trip problem of bus route no. K68 and requested providing bus stop shelter (T&TC Paper No. 6/2016) 36. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(iii) Ms CHAN Mei-lin requested MTR Corporation to provide MTR Fare Savers in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai (T&TC Paper No. 7/2016) 37. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(iv) Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr KWONG Chun-yu and Mr TO Ka-lun proposed to discuss the application of The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd for new franchise for bus network; requested The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd to improve its service quality; and requested the Government to shorten the period of bus network franchise to five-year with a view to enhancing regulation (T&TC Paper No. 8/2016) 38. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(v) Mr MAK Ip-sing enquired about the works progress of carriageway connecting Kin Tak Street with Ma Tong Road; and requested that the works be commenced and completed promptly with a view to relieving congestion around the area (T&TC Paper No. 9/2016) 39. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Highways Department District Engineer/YL(E) Mr CHIU Chi-yiu

40. Members said that the issue had been discussed in detail in previous term of the T&TC, believed that relevant road improvement works should be speeded up to mitigate the traffic congestion at Hop Yick Road and Fung Cheung Road, and urged the Transport Department to speed up district consultation so as to kick off the project soon.

41. Mr CHAN Kin-fung, Keith said the Transport Department had already had a preliminary idea and planned to open up a new junction beside the squash court connecting Kin Tak Street with Ma Tong Road, which involved removal of planters and reduction of some parking spaces. The Department would carry out local consultation through Yuen Long District Office (YLDO) and hand it over to the Highways Department for construction.

42. In his conclusion, the Chairman said that the traffic congestion at Hop Yick Road was severe and urged the Transport Department to address the traffic congestion problem at the lot and commence the road improvement works as soon as possible.

(vi) Mr CHOW Wing-kan proposed to discuss regulating the problem of speeding of GMB route no. 77 (T&TC Paper No. 10/2016) 43. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(vii) Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr CHAN Sze-ching and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin proposed to discuss the problem of lost trip and regulation of residents' bus route nos. NR922 and NR928 (T&TC Paper No. 11/2016) 44. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(viii) Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr CHAN Sze-ching and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin proposed to discuss improving pedestrian crossing facilities at Yuen Lung Street and providing speed enforcement cameras (T&TC Paper No. 12/2016) 45. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were concerned that there were drivers speeding from time to time in the vicinity of Yuen Lung Street where there was a primary school in the neighbourhood and a kindergarten being planned in future; to ensure the safety of school children to and from school, urged the Transport Department to improve the pedestrian crossing facilities at the location and providing speed enforcement cameras for deterrent purposes; and

(2) They hoped that the Transport Department and the Police could made a comprehensive review of the transport facilities and strengthen the law enforcement in Yuen Long District so as to protect the safety of pedestrians and road users.

46. Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Transport Department had sent officer to above site to review the pedestrian and vehicle flows during rush hours respectively on weekdays and holidays, and found from actual situations that the pedestrian and vehicle flows were not sufficient to meet the requirement of adding pedestrian signals and zebra crossing;

(2) Currently there was no actual data showing any record of traffic accidents caused by speeding, so the Transport Department could not support the proposal of providing speed enforcement cameras for now; and that the Department would continue to review the traffic situations in the vicinity before further follow-up; and

(3) The Transport Department had added a slow drive sign to the road section to remind drivers of the driving speed, and had conducted district consultations with regard to changing the single yellow lines of the cautionary crossing at the location to double yellow lines.

47. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the Transport Department to keep close contact with the respective DC Member to follow up on the proposal of improving the road facilities in the vicinity of Yuen Lung Street.

(ix) Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr CHAN Sze-ching and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin proposed to discuss matters relating to the prompt provision of noise barriers at Pok Oi Interchange (T&TC Paper No. 13/2016) 48. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Highways Department Engineer/HK 2-2 Mr CHOW Kit

49. The Chairman said that as some T&TC Members had already discussed matters relating to the noise barriers with officer of the Highways Department when conducting the field investigation for the improvement works of the Pok Oi Interchange earlier, so he made an exception to refer the issue to the T&TC for discussion, though in principle the matters relating to the noise barriers fell inside the Terms of Reference of the Environmental Improvement Committee (EIC).

50. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were concerned about the noise problem at Pok Oi Interchange, and urged the Highways Department to speed up the building of the noise barriers at the section of the Yuen Long Highway that was relatively close to residences; and

(2) They thought that since the Highways Department had already planned to build noise barriers after the completion of neighbouring schools, the project could be

carried out concurrently with the existing improvement works at Pok Oi Interchange to shorten the time of road closure required by the construction and reduce impact on residents in the neighbourhood.

51. Mr CHOW Kit gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) A detailed environmental impact assessment had been made in early planning and design of the improvement works at Pok Oi Interchange. It was shown in the assessment that traffic noises occurred had already been effectively eliminated when building the new flyover and the 1.1-meter concrete barrier beside the feeder road; and

(2) According to the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Department, schools and residences could withstand different levels of noises. However, as the Education Bureau (EDB) did not have a specific timetable with regard to the school land development in the vicinity of Pok Oi Interchange, so the existing project involved only the foundation of building the noise barriers and the noise barrier works were pending for specific arrangements of the EDB in future before a contractor being contacted for construction.

52. In conclusion, the Chairman suggested the Highways Department to actively consider building noise barriers in the existing project, and urged the Department to keep close contact with District Councillors, keep a close eye on the noise impact caused by the improvement works at Pok Oi Interchange and take effective measures of mitigation.

(x) Mr CHOW Wing-kan proposed to discuss regulation of emission from KMB vehicles (T&TC Paper No. 14/2016) 53. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xi) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss re-routing of N969 (T&TC Paper No. 15/2016) 54. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xii) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss the service of GMB route no. 77A (T&TC Paper No. 16/2016) 55. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(xiii) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him enquired about the parking arrangements of medium and heavy vehicles (T&TC Paper No. 17/2016) 56. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They pointed out that there were insufficient parking spaces in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai districts for medium and heavy vehicles, requested the Transport Department, the Lands Department and the Planning Department to actively search for appropriate lands that could be leased to private operators under short-term tenancy and used as temporary car parks to solve the problem of insufficient parking spaces in the district;

(2) They reported that many brownfield lands that used to be short-term parking lots had seen purpose changes, which made the parking spaces for medium and heavy vehicles within the district even tenser; and urged relevant Departments to add on-street night parking spaces for medium and heavy vehicles as soon as possible in the district.

57. Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Samuel gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Transport Department had always been concerned about the parking demands of medium and heavy vehicles in the district, and had reserved enough internal parking spaces in new development projects to cater for traffic demands arising from the development. However, as the Tin Shui Wai District was mainly dominated by residences, the Department encountered a relatively huge resistance when proposing to add large-scale vehicle parking in the district.

(2) The Transport Department was now studying on adding night parking for trucks where appropriate in the Yuen Long Industrial Estate, carried out district consultation with regard to the location of some parking spaces, and welcomed Members to make proposals on night parking spaces for medium and heavy

vehicles in the district; and

(3) The Transport Department should pay attention to the traffic safety when considering adding on-street night parking spaces for medium and heavy vehicles, and gain acceptance from neighbouring residents during district consultation.

58. In conclusion, the Chairman said that there had always been a problem of insufficient car parking spaces in Yuen Long Town, and urged the Planning Department to consider loosening the usage of private lands so that more lands can be released and used as temporary pay car parks to provide more parking spaces within the district.

(xiv) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss traffic diversion arising from Home Ownership Scheme construction works at Kiu Cheong Road East (T&TC Paper No. 18/2016) 59. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Housing Department Acting Senior Civil Engineer/4 Mr CHOW Kwok-sang Civil Engineer/T210 Mr KWOK Ying-wai Architect/18 Ms LAM Fung-ping

Hip Hing Engineering Co., Ltd. Project Manager Mr Nicky LEUNG Site Agent Mr Dicky LAM Community Engagement & PR Manager Mr Timothy WONG

60. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They pointed out that the public interchange at Ping Ha Road was expected to be completed in 2018, and requested relevant Departments to add a shelter to the pedestrian corridor connecting the temporary bus stop to improve passengers'

waiting environment;

(2) They were concerned about the security issue after enclosure and hoped that the Housing Department and its contractors could enhance lighting at night, set up reflective mirrors and consider installing closed circuit television; and

(3) They were discontent that the Housing Department and its contractors did not consult the YLDC before commencing the project, but appreciated that the Housing Department and its contractor could send their representatives to attend the meeting and report to Members the project arrangements, expected that the Housing Department and its contractors could strengthen contact with the T&TC, consult Members' for views when appropriate, and report to the YLDC the project progress.

61. Mr CHOW Kwok-sang gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He noted Members' request of providing a bus stop shelter, and said that the temporary bus stop will be equipped with a shelter to protect passengers against sun and rain while waiting for the bus;

(2) The Housing Department attached importance to views of the YLDC and the Department would requested the contractors to strengthen communication with the YLDC, increase the project transparency and keep the YLDC updated of the project progress when appropriate; and

(3) He promised that future information on the project be released to all Members.

62. Mr Timothy WONG said that the company would deploy extra manpower to patrol at night around the site to prevent criminals from hiding and would keep close contact with the Police to strengthen the security during construction.

63. Mr Nicky LEUNG added that the company noted Members' request of providing a shelter to the pedestrian corridor and narrowing the enclosure scope during construction to preserve the existing shelter of the pedestrian corridor.

64. In conclusion, the Chairman suggested that the Housing Department and its contractors release relevant project information to Members via email.

(xv) Mr YOUNG Ka-on proposed to discuss inadequate service of GMB route no. 74 during peak hours (T&TC Paper No. 19/2016) 65. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(xvi) Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr CHAN Sze-ching and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin proposed to discuss inadequate frequency of 269C during peak hours (T&TC Paper No. 20/2016) 66. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xvii) Ms CHAN Mei-lin proposed to discuss bus interchange discount offered by KMB (T&TC Paper No. 21/2016) 67. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xviii) Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Ms YUEN Man-yee proposed to discuss the service facilities for transportation for the new public housing estate in Au Tau (T&TC Paper No. 22/2016) 68. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They said that occupation of Long Shin Estate would start in April this year and the supporting traffic facilities in the neighbourhood of Au Tau were insufficient to cope with the population growth, believed that relevant Departments should take into account the population growth of the district when planning traffic facilities and supporting facilities;

(2) They welcomed the Transport Department for adding an ancillary minibus route no. 609 to serve Long Shin Estate, suggested changing the start point of the route to Shek Tong Tsuen to benefit residents of the village as well, and hoped to add more bus routes in the long run;

(3) They suggested that the Transport Department consider moving forward the bus stops in the neighbourhood of Sun Kong Hotel and allow minibuses to enter the estate for passenger pickup and drop-off so as to reduce residents' time to head for

the bus stops; and

(4) They reported that bus and minibus services in the neighbourhood of Long Shin Estate were mentioned in the paper of the Transport Department, but these stops were located at Castle Peak Road near Tung Shing Lei and were inconvenient and too far away for residents of Long Shin Estate.

69. Mr LAI Sing-chuen, Gary gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Transport Department would study the proposal of extending ancillary bus route no. 609 to Shek Tong Tsuen; and

(2) He noted Members' views on changing bus stop locations in the neighbourhood of Sun Kong Hotel, adding a new bus route to serve residents of Long Shin Estate and allowing minibuses to pick up and drop off passengers in Long Shin Estate.

70. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the Transport Department to keep close contact with the District Councillors to follow up on the traffic supporting issues in the vicinity of Au Tau.

(xiv) Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr YIU Kowk-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr LUK Chung-hung requested provision of taxi stand at Tin Sau Road, Tin Shui Wai (T&TC Paper No. 23/2016) 71. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

(xx) Mr TANG Hing-ip, Mr TANG Ka-leung and Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam proposed to improve the external transportation service around Hung Shui Kiu (T&TC Paper No. 24/2016) 72. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They pointed out that currently the occupancy rate of Hung Fuk Estate was approximately 70% but transport outside the estate was limited only in rush hours and could not fully meet residents' demands, and urged the Transport Department to provide more bus route services running full day long to the estate, including extending the service hours of route no. 261P;

(2) They suggested establishing a sectional fare system for bus route nos. 68X and 268X between Hung Fuk Estate and Yuen Long to meet residents' traffic demands to Yuen Long District; and

(3) They reported that so far no airport coach was available via Hung Fuk Estate and requested the Transport Department and relevant bus operators to improve the service.

73. Mr LAI Sing-chuen, Gary gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The transport service outside Hung Fuk Estate would be elaborated in the bus route planning of the year; and

(2) The service of the airport coach no. A36 would be strengthened in future and a new route no. A37 would be added from Hung Shui Kiu to the airport.

74. Mr WAN Yin-chiu noted Members' proposal of improving the service of route no. 261P and setting up a sectional fare system for route nos. 68X and 268X between Hung Fuk Estate and Yuen Long Town.

75. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the Transport Department to enhance the service facilities for transportation at Hung Shui Kiu and consummate the traffic network of the district.

(xxi) Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms YUEN Man-yee and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin strongly objected to the change of routing of 68E proposed by the Transport Department and KMB (T&TC Paper No. 25/2016) 76. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxii) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss the incident involving bursting of glass doors of bus (T&TC Paper No. 26/2016) 77. The Chaiman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

MTR Corporation Assistant PR Manager – External Affairs Ms Annie LAM

The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. (KMB) Senior Manager, Community Affairs Mr WAN Yin-chiu

Citybus Limited & New World First Bus Services Limited (Citybus & NWFB) Assistant Operations Manager (Department Two) Mr Albert LEUNG

Long Win Bus Company Limited (LWB) Planning and Supporting Officer I Mr Rayson LAW

New Lantau Bus Co., (1973) Ltd Administrative Manager Mr WONG Wah

78. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were concerned about the safety standards of glass of bus doors in Hong Kong, pointed out that many bus routes running between Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai were long-range routes and were usually crowded in rush hours; and urged the Transport Department to address the issue and ensure that no accident would happen again;

(2) A Member suggested the Transport Department redesign the bus doors into half-glass and half-steel or add an iron bar to reduce the chance of passengers being thrown out of the bus in case of any accident; and

(3) They were concerned about the findings of the Transport Department with regard to the accidents, and enquired about the responsibilities of bus captains in these two bus accidents of door burst.

79. Mr WAN Yin-chiu gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The KMB was quite concerned about and attached great importance to the glass-related accidents happened in February for which the Police was now carrying out investigation, the KMB would continue following up after the

investigation results were available. Currently it was hard to comment the responsibilities of the two captains;

(2) He pointed out that KMB had set up an internal committee for the accident to review and improve safety matters of passengers in the carriage during driving, and it was expected that a report be submitted to the Transport Department for reference in mid-March.

80. Mr WONG Wah said that after the accident happened, bus companies had a meeting with the Transport Department and bus manufacturers to discuss remedies and solutions and improve the safety of bus doors. Relevant engineering personnel was now working on the feasibility of adding two iron bars respectively 1.2 meters and 0.6 meter to the ground.

81. Mr Rayson LAW said that the LWB attached great importance to driving safety and the company would check its buses on a regular basis to ensure provision of safe services.

82. Mr Albert LEUNG said that bus doors and glass of Citybus & NWFB were both compliant with laws and regulations and the company highly stressed upon the safety of its vehicles and had a strict system of maintenance and repair.

83. Mr LAI Sing-chuen, Gary said that the Transport Department's responses had been specified in the meeting paper and no other supplement was available for now.

84. In conclusion, the Chairman said that passengers' safety was particularly important and urged the Transport Department and bus companies to address the problem and figure out a solution as soon as possible.

(xxiii) Mr TANG Ka-leung requested the zebra crossing opposite to San Sang Tsuen, Tin Ha Road, Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long be converted to pedestrian lights (T&TC Paper No. 27/2016) 85. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They reported that large-scale vehicles using Tin Ha Road were constantly seen at a high speed and bus passengers were usually fighting their ways against vehicles

and dangers when crossing the road, and suggested that the Transport Department convert the zebra crossing at the location to pedestrian traffic lights to ensure the safety of pedestrian in crossing the road; and

(2) They suggested that the Transport Department set up a retarder or put up a speed limit road sign at above location to remind drivers of traffic safety.

86. Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Samuel gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Transport Department had sent an officer to conduct the field investigation and pointed out that the existing vehicle flow was insufficient for the pedestrian lights to be set up at the location. Therefore, after considering the vehicle flow, the field environment and the traffic accident data, the Department could not support the proposal of changing the corresponding pedestrian crossing facilities; and

(2) He responded to Members' proposal with regard to the speed limit road sign, and said that currently there was no speed limit sign at the road section, meaning that the speed limit of the road section was 50 km/h.

87. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the Transport Department not to rely merely on the data, but to prioritise the pedestrians' safety and implement Members' views as soon as possible.

(xxiv) Mr LUK Chung-hung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him requested reviewing the routing of bus route no. N969 (T&TC Paper No. 28/2016) 88. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxv) Mr MAK Ip-sing requested KMB to increase bus frequency and review the quality of glass doors of buses in avoidance of reoccurrence of accidents (T&TC Paper No. 29/2016) 89. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxvi) Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Ms WONG Wai-ling and Ms MA Shuk-yin requested Long Win Bus Company Limited to split route no. E34A during the afternoon peak hours (T&TC Paper No. 30/2016) 90. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxvii) Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP, Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Ms WONG Wai-ling and Ms MA Shuk-yin requested special trips of bus route no. 969C from Tin Shui Wai to Quarry Bay be operated during the morning peak hours (T&TC Paper No. 31/2016) 91. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxviii) Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP, Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU Long-ming and Ms WONG Wai-ling requested the public transportation service for Tin Shui Wai at late hours be improved (T&TC Paper No. 32/2016) 92. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They said that some residents of Tin Shui Wai working at night or on shift took bus no. N269 and GMB no. 610S to and from Tin Shui Wai at late hours, and reported failure to get on board at en-route stops from time to time, showing that vehicles were severely insufficient;

(2) They reported that residents had huge demands in GMB no. 610S and suggested setting up a bus route between Tin Shui Wai and Tsim Sha Tsui to pick up more passengers;

(3) They proposed to extend the route no. N269 to Mong Kok; and

(4) They requested to increase the service frequency of the airport coaches to and from Tin Shui Wai.

93. Mr LAI Sing-chuen, Gary gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He noted Members' requests of extending the KMB bus route no. N269 to Mong

Kok and increasing the service frequency of the airport coaches to and from Tin Shui Wai; and

(2) He said that officer would be sent to review the actual situation and discuss with the minibus operator the demand matters of GMB no. 610S.

94. The Chairman concluded that the public transport service in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai at late hours was quite insufficient, and urged that other proposals made by Members if any could be discussed later in detail in the meeting of the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services”.

(xxiv) Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin and Mr TANG Ho-nin requested closed circuit television be installed at bicycle parking space of Kam Sheung Road MTR Station (T&TC Paper No. 33/2016) 95. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were concerned that the stealing problem at the bicycle parking space of Kam Sheung Road Railway Station was increasingly serious and hoped that closed circuit television be installed at above location to guarantee property safety;

(2) A Member reported that there were also bicycle stealing behaviours at the bicycle parking space of other railway stations and urged relevant Departments to install a closed circuit televisions and a spotlight at the parking space; and

(3) They enquired about the nationality of the four men arrested for stealing bicycles at Kam Sheung Road Railway Station in the previous year.

96. Mr CHEUNG Kam-wing gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The nationality information of the arrested was unavailable for now and would be provided to Members who had raised questions after the meeting;

(2) The installation of the closed circuit television fell outside the Terms of Reference of the Hong Kong Police Force; and

(3) He remarked that the pilot scheme led by the YLDO included clearing up illegal bicycle parking at illegal bicycle parking black spots within the district, and

believed that some bicycles claimed to be stolen might be cleared up by relevant Departments in the pilot scheme according to laws.

97. In his conclusion, the Chairman urged relevant Departments to follow up on installing the closed circuit television at bicycle parking space of Kam Sheung Road Railway Station as soon as possible.

(xxx) Mr CHAN Sze-ching proposed to discuss congestion in the pedestrian refuge at the junction of Tin Yiu Road near Tin Shing Court and Tin Yiu Estate, as well as the long waiting time of pedestrian lights (T&TC Paper No. 34/2016) 98. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They reported that the long waiting time of pedestrian lights at the junction of Tin Yiu Road near Tin Shing Court and Tin Yiu Estate had caused congestion in the pedestrian refuge and posed a danger to pedestrians waiting on the road; and hoped that the Transport Department could adjust the time of traffic lights and try to mitigate the congestion in the pedestrian refuge; and

(2) They was discontent that the Transport Department issued the working drawing for road improvement works without consulting the respective DC Members, requested the Department to consult the respective DC Members before commencing a district project, send officers to explain the working drawing and reply the commencement date in writing.

99. Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Samuel gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He remarked that the Transport Department had actively studied on how to improve the corresponding pedestrian crossing facilities after receiving Members' view in the previous meeting, had now issued the working drawing to relevant Works Departments to widen the pedestrian crossing from Tin Shui Wai Fire Station across the Tin Yiu road to Tin Yiu Light Rail Station, and would provide information to relevant Members after the meeting; and

(2) He noted Members' views about adjusting the time of traffic lights, said that the Light Rail had prioritised rights when passing through the intersection, and the Department had to further study on the feasibility of shortening the time of traffic

lights.

100. In his conclusion, the Chairman urged the Transport Department to respond as soon as possible to relevant Members in writing about details of the road improvement project.

(xxxi) Ms CHAN Mei-lin requested rerouting of bus route no. N969 to Tuen Mun be cancelled (T&TC Paper No. 40/2016) 101. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Bus Service” for discussion in detail.

(xxxii) Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH requested increasing the frequency of feeder bus route no. K73 (T&TC Paper No. 41/2016) 102. The Chairman concluded that the issue would be referred to the “Working Group on Mass Transit Services” for discussion in detail.

Item 10: Items referred from the YLDC to T&TC: (i)Mr WONG Wai-yin and Mr KWONG Chun-yu proposed to discuss failure of registered vehicle owners to update the address as required by law (T&TC Paper No. 35/2016) 103. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They pointed out that some registered vehicle owners failed to update their addresses after relocation, which led to unsuccessful delivery of summons by Government Departments; and urged the Transport Department to provide the number of registered vehicle owners who failed to notify the Transport Department of the address change in writing in 72 hours according to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations; and

(2) They reported that prosecution procedures were delayed in some cases due to failure of address update, or even summons were cancelled due to long-term unsuccessful delivery; and urged relevant authorities to fill the gap in the prevailing system.

104. Mr CHEUNG Kam-wing pointed out that when the Police was dealing with individual traffic-related cases, apart from the vehicle registration information of the Transport Department, it

could also obtain information of registered vehicle owners via other channels for follow-up, and there were only 15 cases in the past ten years where the Police failed to file a prosecution successfully.

105. The Chairman concluded that the issue was huge and beyond the handling reach of committees under the jurisdiction of local councils, and could only be solved through legislation. The Chairman suggested that Members who had raised question try to seek solutions through the Legislative Council.

Item 11: Progress report from the Transport Department (T&TC Paper No. 36/2016) 106. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They enquired about the project content of the current enclosure of planters of Tin Shui Wai Government Primary School across Tin Shui Road;

(2) They were concerned about the reasons as to why the vehicular bridge built at Tai Tong Bus Terminus across Kiu Hing Road had not yet been opened for public use even after six months of completion, and enquired about the project progress of adding a footpath and a lay-bay to Kiu Hing Road;

(3) They suggested including the widening of bus bay at Tin Fuk Road in the traffic improvement scheme of the Transport Department, and urged the Police to enhance prosecution at the location against illegal parking during rush hours in the morning;

(4) They recommended the Transport Department to specify road signs or signage to be added in future and asked Members to express their views; and

(5) They reported that the footpath at Kau Yuk Road was too narrow and some pedestrians did not use the footpath but crossed the road wantonly, leading to several accidents recently, and urged the Transport Department to speed up the progress of the improvement works at Kau Yuk Road.

107. Mr CHAN Kin-fung, Keith gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The Transport Department planned to build a footpath first at Wong Nai Tun Tsuen before opening the vehicular bridge of the Kiu Hing Road for public use, and that

currently the Highways Department was applying for temporary appropriation to the Lands Department so as to commence relevant project as soon as possible;

(2) The Department had issued the working drawing to the Highways Department for the crossing improvement works at the junction of Kau Yuk Road and Cheong Shing Path, and would issue the working drawing for the improvement works at On Hong Road as well; and

(3) The project of adding a lay-by to Kiu Hing Road had been completed.

108. Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Samuel gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He noted Members' view about widening the bus bay at Tin Fuk Road, and would send officer to conduct a field investigation later to discuss the project feasibility;

(2) He responded to matters relating to road signs in Tin Shui Wai District; and said that the Department had issued the working drawing of the road signs in the vicinity of Kingwood Ginza, would follow up with the Highways Department on project progress, and would also supplement information on the remaining road signs replaced or added in the district to Members later on; and

(3) He would provide Members who had raised questions with supplementary project content of the Tin Shui Wai Government Primary School at Tin Shui Road after the meeting.

Item 12: Statistics on cycling accidents and related enforcement actions (T&TC Paper No. 37/2016) 109. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:

(1) They were concerned about the Police's advice and prosecution work against illegal bicycle parking, and believed that illegal bicycle parking could not be solved by merely relying on the pilot scheme.

(2) They requested the Police to enhance the law enforcement actions against careless cycling or disobedience to traffic signs on the footbridge of the Sun Yuen Long Centre, and file a prosecution against illegal bicycle parking according to the

Summary Offences Ordinance, or take enforcement actions against illegal parking more than 48 hours according to the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance; and

(3) They were concerned that cycling on the footpath from time to time caused danger and inconvenience to pedestrians, requested the Police to enhance the inspection and law enforcement at Tin Shing Road nearby Tin Shui Wai Catholic Primary School, Queen Elizabeth School Old Students' Association Secondary School, Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee Kung Yik She Secondary School, footpath of Kingswood Villa Kenswood Court 14, Tin Kwai Road, etc.

110. Mr CHEUNG Kam-wing pointed out that the illegal parking of bicycles should be addressed based on the location of illegal parking as the law enforcement at different locations were carried out by different Government departments or agencies. The Hong Kong Police Force noted that Chapter 228 of the Summary Offences Ordinance was applicable to articles or things that obstructed people or vehicles in the public space. The Police noted the hotspots of careless cycling and cycling on the footpath provided by Members, and would follow up accordingly.

111. In his conclusion, the Chairman urged the Police to pay attention to Members' queries and follow up on the proposals made by Members.

Item 13: Endorsement of the Schedule of Meetings for T&TC under YLDC in 2016 (T&TC Paper No. 38/2016) 112. Members said that the meeting dates of the T&TC in July and September 2016 overlapped with the dates of monthly meetings of the Home Affairs Department attended by Chairman and Vice Chairman of the YLDC, and recommended changing these two meeting dates and the meeting time from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

113. In conclusion, the Chairman agreed to reschedule the T&TC meeting to 10:00 a.m., and asked the Secretariat to revise the meeting date in July and September for further discussion in the next meeting.

Item 14: Any other business:

114. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat April 2016