Wan Chai District Council Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

(Translation)

Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of the Development, Planning and Transport Committee 5th Wan Chai District Council Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Date : 19 April 2016 (Tuesday) Time : 4:00 p.m. Venue : District Council Conference Room, Wan Chai District Office

Present Chairperson Ms LEE Kwun-yee, Kenny

Vice-chairperson Mr LAM Wai-man, Wind, Anson

Members Mr NG Kam-chun, Stephen, BBS, MH, JP Dr CHOW Kit-bing, Jennifer, BBS, MH Ms NG Yuen-ting, Yolanda, MH Mr WONG Wang-tai, Ivan, MH Mr LEE Man-lung, Joey Miss YEUNG Suet-ying, Clarisse Ms CHUNG Ka-man, Jacqueline Mr CHENG Ki-kin

Co-opted Members Ms WONG Ching-chi, Gigi Ms LAU Pui-shan Ms CHING Lei-yuen Mr NG Kwok-shing

Representatives of Government Departments Ms CHAN Siu-ping, Daphne Senior Liaison Officer (Community Affairs), Wan Chai District Office, Home Affairs Department Ms KO Sin-lun, Esther Senior Estate Surveyor/HKE(2), Lands Department Miss LO Yuk-man, Josephine Senior Town Planner, Planning Department Mr TSE Chau-tong, Franklin Senior Engineer 5 (HK Island Division 2), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr CHAN Chi-pong, Steven Senior Transport Officer/Wan Chai, Transport Department Mr KWAN Wing-yip Engineer/Wan Chai 3, Transport Department Ms LEE Lai-ming District Operations Officer (Wan Chai), Hong Kong Police Force

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 1 - Mr CHAN Yu-keung, Alex Environmental Protection Officer (Regional South)42, Environmental Compliance Division, Environmental Protection Department Mr CHONG Chiu-ming District Engineer/Wan Chai, Highways Department

Representatives of Other Government Departments and Organisations Mr WU Kin-kwok Senior Engineer 4/Central Wanchai Bypass, Highways Department Ms POON Wai-ming Engineer 4/Central Wanchai Bypass, Highways Department Mr SIU Chi-man Senior Resident Engineer, AECOM Asia Company Limited Ms NG Ka-yiu Senior Resident Landscape Architect, AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr TSANG Kam-fung, Harry Engineer/E5, Drainage Services Department Ms Dorothy LAU Assistant Public Relations Manager - External Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited Ms POON Wai-ki Sub-Unit Commander (Patrol 2) (North Point Division), Hong Kong Police Force Mr CHEUNG Man-yuen Sergeant, District Traffic Team, Eastern District, Hong Kong Police Force Mr SIT Ka-fai Operations Commander District Traffic Team (Wan Chai), Hong Kong Police Force Ms SZE Tsz-ping, Christine Senior Estate Surveyor/HKE(1), Lands Department Ms YUEN Chui-yi, Cora Senior Manager (Property Management), Hong Kong Housing Society Mr HO Ming-fai, Dick Manager (Property Management), Hong Kong Housing Society Mr AU Siu-fung, Kelvin Senior Transport Officer/Bus/HK 2, Transport Department Mr LEUNG Chun-him, Damon Transport Officer/Bus/HK 2, Transport Department Mr Mistral SIN Manager (Planning), Citybus Limited/New World First Bus Services Limited Mr Brian NG Chief Planning Officer, Citybus Limited/New World First Bus Services Limited Miss Joyce WAN Senior Public Affairs Officer, Citybus Limited/New World First Bus Services Limited Mr YUEN Chi-wai Assistant Operations Manager, New World First Bus Services Limited Miss Rosa HO Manager (Department One - Traffic), Citybus Limited Mr WAN Yin-chiu Senior Manager, Community Affairs, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Mr LEUNG Wang-cheong Principal Operations Officer, Lai Chi Kok Depot, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Ms Peggy WONG Assistant Manager, Planning & Development, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited

Secretary Ms AU Yat-ping, Janet Executive Officer (District Council)3, Wan Chai District Office, Home Affairs Department

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 2 - Absent with Apologies Miss LAI Wai-yee, Renie Assistant District Officer (Wan Chai), Home Affairs Department Dr TANG King-yung, Anna, BBS, MH The Hon TSE Wai-chun, Paul, JP Ms LEE Pik-yee, Peggy

Action Opening Remarks

The Chairperson welcomed Members and representatives of government departments to the 3rd Meeting of the Development, Planning and Transport Committee (DPTC) of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC). The Chairperson reported that the Hon Paul TSE, Ms Peggy LEE and Dr Anna TANG had informed the Secretariat prior to the meeting that they were unable to attend the meeting because of other engagements. According to Section 51(1) of the Standing Orders of WCDC, the Council should only give consent to notifications of absence filed on the grounds of sickness or attendance of another meeting or an activity on behalf of the Council. Therefore, the Hon Paul TSE, Ms Peggy LEE and Dr Anna TANG were regarded as being absent from the meeting.

2. The Chairperson said that the meeting was expected to end at 7:25 p.m., and asked Members to raise their hands if they wished to leave earlier, in order to facilitate the counting of attendees by the Secretary.

3. The Chairperson said that the meeting would be timed to ensure it be conducted in an efficient manner. Each Member would be allowed to speak for three minutes.

(Mr Joey LEE joined the meeting at 4:12 p.m.)

nd Item 1: Confirmation of Minutes of the 2 Meeting of DPTC of WCDC

4. The Chairperson told the meeting that the Secretariat had received a proposed amendment.

5. The Committee accepted the proposed amendment.

nd 6. The minutes of the 2 meeting were confirmed by means of a motion moved by Mr Anson LAM and seconded by Mr Stephen NG.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 3 - Action Information Papers Item 2: Summary of Major Temporary Traffic Arrangements in Wan Chai District - Transport Department (DPTC Paper No. 16/2016)

7. Mr Steven CHAN of the Transport Department (TD) briefed Members on the paper.

8. Members noted the above paper.

Item 3: Summary of Works in Wan Chai District – Civil Engineering and Development Department (DPTC Paper No. 17/2016)

9. Mr Franklin TSE of the Civil Engineering and Development Department briefed Members on the paper.

10. Members noted the above paper.

Item 4: Major Traffic Improvement Works in Wan Chai District and the Schedules – Transport Department/Highways Department (DPTC Paper No. 18/2016)

11. Mr CHONG Chiu-ming of the Highways Department (HyD) briefed Members on the paper.

12. Members noted the above paper.

Item 5: Position of the WCDC Funds Appropriated to the DPTC for 2016/2017 (DPTC Paper No. 19/2016)

13. The Secretary reported that at the WCDC meeting held on 22 March 2016, DPTC was appropriated a sum of $500,000 for 2016/2017. A sum of $59,010 had been approved from the funds, leaving an uncommitted balance of $440,990. As the Secretariat did not receive any funding applications prior to this meeting, the uncommitted funds stood at $440,990.

14. Members noted the above paper.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 4 - Action Written Questions Item 6: To Urge the Authorities Concerned to Introduce the Ancillary Facilities on Road Section No. 8 within Victoria Park (DPTC Paper No. 21/2016)

15. The Chairperson welcomed the following representatives to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item:

HyD Senior Engineer 4/Central Wanchai Bypass Mr WU Kin-kwok Engineer 4/Central Wanchai Bypass Ms POON Wai-ming

AECOM Asia Company Limited Senior Resident Engineer Mr SIU Chi-man Senior Resident Landscape Architect Ms NG Ka-yiu

16. Dr Jennifer CHOW briefly introduced the written question. She said that the Eastern District Council (EDC) had been following up the ancillary facilities on road section No. 8 within Victoria Park. She suggested the representatives give detailed information on the works progress of the construction of noise barriers and rain shelters at the meeting.

17. Mr WU Kin-kwok, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, briefed Members on the ancillary facilities on road section No. 8 within Victoria Park.

18. Members were concerned about the following issues: i. The completion date of the works; ii. The public noticed that the environmental hygiene condition of the area nearby had been worsening following the commencement of the works. Mosquitoes and rodents were seen in the area. Members suggested HyD step up the cleansing work for the area; iii. Members enquired whether three-dimensional photomontage could be displayed at the works site to facilitate collection of views from the public and enable the public to understand the new look of the area after the completion of the works. They also enquired if noise barriers could be used to display the history and old photos of Victoria Park; iv. Members enquired about the accessibility of elderly fitness facilities and the air quality, and whether the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) would conduct a survey to find out the demands of the elderly for fitness facilities; v. The species of trees to be planted; and vi. The design of leisure facilities, such as pavilions, seats, etc.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 5 - Action

19. Mr SIU Chi-man responded as follows: i. The reprovisioning works and the provision of ancillary facilities in Victoria Park would be completed progressively by mid-2017; ii. Resident staff had arranged for regular inspection of works sites. The contractor would be urged to keep the works sites clean; iii. Since a consensus could not be reached with LCSD on the management and maintenance issues arising from displaying the history and old photos of Victoria Park on the noise barriers, the relevant proposal could not be considered at the current stage; iv. Resident staff were discussing with LCSD on issues related to the provision of elderly fitness facilities, including the types and number of the facilities; v. Consideration was being given to planting Bambusa ventricosa McClure as the landscaping design to cover up the noise barriers; and vi. In designing the leisure facilities such as pavilions and seats, reference would be made to the original design of Victoria Park. Before introducing any new facilities, comments from the relevant departments on the maintenance and repair of those facilities would be taken into consideration.

Item 7: To Urge the Authorities Concerned to Improve the Flooding Problem in Victoria Park Constituency (DPTC Paper No. 22/2016)

20. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Harry TSANG, Engineer/E5 of the Drainage Services Department (DSD) to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item.

21. Dr Jennifer CHOW briefly introduced the written question, and said that EDC had been following up the flooding problem in Victoria Park constituency. In times of heavy rainstorms, there were flooding problems in the district. There were cases where lift lobbies of buildings were flooded with rainwater, thus causing lift breakdowns. Despite the completion of the drainage works, there was no improvement to the flooding problem. She suggested DSD explain the works details and briefly introduce the long, medium and short-term improvement measures at the meeting.

22. Mr Harry TSANG briefly introduced the written response.

23. Members raised the following comments: i. The works at Tsing Fung Street, though completed, was not effective in improving the problem. After heavy rainstorms, Members received complaints from buildings nearby about lift breakdowns caused by flooding. They suggested DSD review

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 6 - Action and reconsider the situation; ii. The flooding problem was more serious at Whitfield Road, Watson Road and Hing Fat Street. Members were concerned about whether sewers would be enlarged during drainage works and the date of commencement of the works; and iii. There was odour problem at the footpath of Electric Road near the food premises at Hing Fat Street. After finding out that the odour problem was caused by blocked drains, members of the public had engaged a private company to tackle the problem. However, no improvement could be made. They hoped that DSD could propose a solution to the problem at the above location.

24. Mr Harry TSANG responded as follows: i. Lift breakdowns might be due to factors such as whether the buildings were situated in low-lying areas, or whether there was any seepage of underground water. Members were advised to relay the complaints to the departments concerned for follow-up actions; ii. Information about the drainage works at Whitfield Road, Watson Road and Hing Fat Street would be provided after the meeting; and iii. DSD noted the odour problem at the footpath of Electric Road near the food premises at Hing Fat Street. It would follow up with HyD on the sewage collection facilities and cleansing of drainage pipes after the meeting.

25. Members said that since the flooding problem involved other departments, the Committee should write to the relevant departments and include the issue under Matters Arising, so that the flooding problem at Whitfield Road, Watson Road and Hing Fat Street as well as the odour problem at the footpath of Electric Road near the food premises at Hing Fat Street could be further discussed at the next meeting.

26. The Chairperson accepted the request by Members’. The Committee would write to HyD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), asking them to follow up on the above issue and send representatives to the next meeting.

(Post-meeting note: DSD had provided information about the drainage works at Whitfield Road, Watson Road and Hing Fat Street after the meeting.)

(Ms LAU Pui-shan joined the meeting at 4:30 p.m.; Mr Ivan WONG joined the meeting at 4:33 p.m.)

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 7 - Action Item 8: To Urge the Authorities Concerned to Review the Paving of Footpaths with Paving Blocks and the Maintenance Policy (DPTC Paper No. 23/2016)

27. Dr Jennifer CHOW briefly introduced the written question, and said that EDC had been following up the paving of footpaths with paving blocks and the maintenance policy in the past.

28. Mr CHONG Chiu-ming of HyD briefly introduced the written response.

29. Members were concerned about the following issues: i. They enquired whether HyD would carry out repair works only at locations under complaint; ii. They enquired about the frequency of footpath inspections for recording the locations that required a repair; iii. They enquired whether new paving methods were available to reduce the chance for paving blocks to come loose; iv. Poor workmanship of some public utility companies had resulted in defective road resurfacing works. Members enquired if HyD had issued any guidelines in this respect. They suggested that HyD should impose heavier penalties on public utility companies for poor workmanship which had resulted in defective road resurfacing works; v. They enquired if more frequent inspections of footpaths could be conducted so as to ensure public safety and reduce the chance of mosquito breeding; vi. There was illegal parking on some footpaths which had caused damages to the road surfaces and affected the cityscape. Members suggested the departments concerned step up enforcement actions against the vehicles concerned; vii. Processions and demonstrations were common in Wan Chai. Members inquired whether HyD had reviewed the policy of paving footpaths with paving blocks following the Mong Kok incident; viii. The footpaths on King’s Road and in the vicinity of Tung Lo Wan Road near Lau Sin Street were paved respectively with concrete and paving blocks. It was suggested that HyD should review the policy concerned; ix. The road surfaces at the bus stop outside Victoria Park and the footpath on Electric Road were seriously damaged. They suggested HyD follow up on the issue to ensure the safety of pedestrians; and x. They enquired whether the Police had conducted any risk assessment of footpaths following the Mong Kok incident.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 8 - Action 30. Ms Jacqueline CHUNG raised the following enquiries: i. The section of Bowrington Road from Hennessy Road to Leighton Road, the section of Wan Chai Road from Tin Lok Lane to Canal Road West and the section of Canal Road West from Hennessy Road to Wan Chai Road had already been paved with eco-paving blocks. Although operators of market stalls would carry out cleansing work to footpaths, wastewater might be trapped between the eco-paving blocks, leading to mosquito breeding. She raised concern over when HyD would replace the paving blocks for the above sections of footpaths with more suitable ones; and ii. The carriageway at the section of Wan Chai Road from Tin Lok Lane to Canal Road West had been damaged. She raised concern over when HyD would repair the road section concerned.

31. Ms Yolanda NG raised the following comments: i. She suggested that HyD should step up inspection of footpaths and increase the frequency of inspections; ii. She suggested that HyD should check the hardness and density of eco-paving blocks; iii. The paving blocks of the footpath in front of Tang Lung Chau Market were in very poor condition; and iv. She suggested that HyD should review the overall policy.

32. Mr CHONG Chiu-ming responded to Members’ comments as follows: i. Members were welcome to provide HyD with information on any damaged road sections for follow-up actions; ii. HyD would conduct regular footpath inspections, and timely repair works would be arranged for any damaged road surfaces found; iii. The frequency of footpath inspections varied, depending on the locations of footpaths. Generally speaking, inspections were conducted once every seven days to a month; iv. HyD had paid attention to the manhole covers of public utility facilities, and would request the companies concerned to carry out repair works in case uneven paving blocks were found on top of the manhole covers. If the problem persisted, HyD would collaborate with the companies to take further follow-up actions, which included considering replacing the manhole covers; v. HyD would take prompt follow-up actions upon receipt of a complaint; vi. HyD would take into account factors such as the characteristics of various materials and the physical constraints before deciding whether concrete or paving blocks should be used for paving footpaths. HyD would be pleased to conduct a review if the Police considered paving blocks unsuitable for paving footpaths for special reasons;

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 9 - Action vii. HyD would follow up on the sections of footpaths at various locations mentioned by Members. A site visit with Members could also be arranged if necessary; and viii. HyD would keep an eye on the damaged road surfaces of the footpaths at the bus stop outside Victoria Park and at Electric Road. Follow-up actions would be taken accordingly.

33. Mr SIT Ka-fai of the Hong Kong Police Force said that the Police would take out prosecutions against vehicles illegally parked on footpaths.

34. Ms LEE Lai-ming said that the Police had noticed the problem caused by paving blocks when the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization was being held. A committee was formed to take follow-up actions following the Mong Kok incident. Prosecutions would be initiated against criminal cases or illegal parking cases on footpaths.

Item 9: To Strongly Demand MTR to Provide an Entrance/Exit to Tung Lo Wan Road at Tin Hau Station and Install a Lift to Connect the Station Concourse with Street Level As Soon As Possible (DPTC Paper No. 24/2016)

35. The Chairperson welcomed Ms Dorothy LAU, Assistant Public Relations Manager - External Affairs of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRC) to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item.

36. Mr Joey LEE briefly introduced the written question. MTRC was demanded to provide an entrance/exit to Tung Lo Wan Road at Tin Hau Station and install a lift to connect the station concourse with street level as soon as possible, and to submit a schedule together with a feasible proposal.

37. Ms Gigi WONG added that significant rationalisation of bus routes had been made since the commissioning of the MTR West Island Line. Given the Government’s policy to have railway as the backbone of the transportation system and to encourage the public to use railway more, the provision of an exit to Tung Lo Wan Road became more important. There was a certain distance between Tai Hang and Tin Hau Station, part of which was a slope with heavy traffic flow and vehicles driving at high speed. It was especially difficult for the elderly and children to walk from Tai Hang to Tin Hau Station. To ensure pedestrian safety, she concurred with the suggestion made by Mr Joey LEE.

38. Ms Dorothy LAU briefly introduced the written reply.

39. Members raised the following comments: i. The written reply from MTRC had provided information about the discussions with Park Towers since 2011. According to the reply, Park Towers had already rejected MTRC’s proposal to

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 10 - Action install a lift to connect the station concourse with street level. Members had proposed other locations, but MTRC only responded that the proposed locations were infeasible. Members enquired if MTRC had considered other proposals to install a lift to connect the station concourse with street level or proposals to build a subway; ii. They suggested MTRC arrange for representatives of relevant departments and Members to conduct a site visit to Tin Hau Station in order to identify locations for the installation of a lift; and iii. They suggested that the Committee should continue to follow up on the progress of the installation of a lift at Tin Hau Station to connect the station concourse with street level, and requested MTRC to regularly report on the works progress and schedule.

40. Ms Dorothy LAU responded as follows: i. MTRC had studied various proposals to install a lift at Tin Hau Station. Due to geographical, land ownership and technical constraints, a suitable location was yet to be identified. MTRC would continue to explore feasible proposals; ii. At present, the pedestrian flow at the three entrances/exits of Tin Hau Station remained smooth during morning and evening peak hours. MTRC had no plan to construct an additional entrance/exit; iii. Provision of a lift on Tung Lo Wan Road required construction of a subway under the busy King’s Road as an ancillary facility. Since there were many major public utility facilities under King’s Road, MTRC had to be careful in considering the technical feasibility; and iv. She would relay to MTRC the request by Members for a site visit, and would contact the Secretariat.

41. The Chairperson asked MTRC to actively consider the proposal to install a lift to connect the station concourse with street level, submit a schedule to the Committee and arrange for a site visit.

Item 10: To Request the Departments Concerned to Tackle the Illegal Parking Problem in the Vicinity of No. 42-60 Tin Hau Temple Road (DPTC Paper No. 25/2016)

42. The Chairperson welcomed the following representatives of government departments to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item:

Hong Kong Police Force Sub-Unit Commander (Patrol 2) (North Point Division) Ms POON Wai-ki Sergeant, District Traffic Team, Eastern District Mr CHEUNG Man-yuen

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 11 - Action

Lands Department Senior Estate Surveyor/HKE(1)(District Lands Office, Hong Kong East) Ms Christine SZE

43. Mr Joey LEE briefly introduced the written question.

44. Ms POON Wai-ki briefly introduced the written reply of the Police.

45. Members enquired if TD had set priorities in respect of factors such as combating illegal parking, promoting pedestrian safety, taking into account the daily operation of shops, etc., when considering whether to install railings on footpaths.

46. Mr KWAN Wing-yip of TD responded that railings were installed as far as possible to guide pedestrians to footpaths, with a view to ensuring their safety. TD would balance the interests of all parties in considering whether to install railings on footpaths.

47. Ms Christine SZE said that the basement at No. 42-60 Tin Hau Temple Road was currently used for operating garages and motor trading companies, which did not constitute a breach of lease conditions.

48. Members raised the following enquiries with TD and the Lands Department (LandsD): i. They enquired whether vehicles were allowed to park on footpaths; ii. They enquired whether there were any ways to prevent vehicles from parking on footpaths; iii. They enquired how the safety of pedestrians could be ensured since the section of Tin Hau Temple Road concerned was a slope; iv. They enquired if additional U-shaped or ordinary railings could be installed; v. They enquired about the reasons for not installing iron poles in front of the shops; vi. They enquired whether vehicles were allowed to enter the shops via footpaths; vii. They enquired whether it was lawful to repair vehicles on footpaths; and viii. They enquired whether it was lawful to carry out loading and unloading of goods on footpaths.

49. Mr KWAN Wing-yip responded as follows: i. It was illegal to park vehicles on footpaths; ii. In considering whether to install railings on footpaths, TD would

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 12 - Action accord top priority to pedestrian safety and would first consider if the railings could guide pedestrians to the footpaths. Consideration would also be given to the loading and unloading activities of shop operators. It was hoped that a balance could be struck between the interests of the parties concerned; iii. The Police would be requested to strengthen its enforcement actions against illegal parking on footpaths; and iv. Vehicles should carry out loading and unloading of goods on carriageways.

50. Ms Christine SZE said that since the boundary of the private lot at No. 42-60 Tin Hau Temple Road lay in front of the building, the land outside the property was government land, which was used as a footpath, with TD and HyD being responsible for its management and maintenance.

51. Ms POON Wai-ki said that due to resource constraints, the Police needed collaboration with various departments to uproot the illegal parking problem.

52. The Chairperson requested TD to install U-shaped railings as far as possible to ensure pedestrian safety, and to provide loading and unloading areas near shops.

53. Mr KWAN Wing-yip noted Members’ comments, and would relay to TD after the meeting the suggestions on installing U-shaped railings and providing loading and unloading areas near shops.

54. The Chairperson concluded Members’ comments as follows: i. HyD, LandsD and TD were requested to follow up on the illegal parking problem at the above road section; ii. The Police was requested to strengthen its enforcement actions against illegal parking at the above road section; and iii. The Committee would continue to follow up on the problem and invite representatives of the departments concerned for further discussion at future meetings.

(Ms LAU Pui-shan left the meeting at 5:50 p.m.)

Item 11: To Request the Authorities Concerned to Install a Lift to Connect Lin Fa Kung Garden in Tai Hang with Lai Tak Tsuen Road (DPTC Paper No. 26/2016)

55. The Chairperson welcomed the following representatives of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item:

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 13 - Action Senior Manager (Property Management) Ms Cora YUEN Manager (Property Management) Mr Dick HO

56. Mr Joey LEE briefly introduced the written question.

57. Ms Cora YUEN supported the suggestion on installing a lift to connect Lin Fa Kung Garden in Tai Hang with Lai Tak Tsuen Road. At present, Lai Tak Tsuen had a population of about 8 000, about 40% of which was elderly people aged above 60. Most of the residents accessed Tin Hau Station via the staircase leading from Lin Fa Kung Street East to Lai Tak Tsuen Road.

58. Members raised the following comments: i. They suggested HyD and TD give written replies to the above enquiries; ii. Damages were frequently found on the staircase leading from Lin Fa Kung Street East to Lai Tak Tsuen Road. They requested HyD to follow up; iii. They suggested that the departments concerned should study the feasibility of installing a lift to connect Lin Fa Kung Garden in Tai Hang with Lai Tak Tsuen Road and submit a schedule as soon as possible; iv. Since the Chief Executive had mentioned in his Policy Address the provision of age-friendly facilities and barrier-free access for the convenience of the public, it was hoped that the departments concerned could accord priority to the suggestion on installing a lift to connect Lin Fa Kung Garden in Tai Hang with Lai Tak Tsuen Road; and v. They suggested that TD should consider the feasibility of installing an escalator or a lift at the three locations proposed by HKHS.

59. Mr KWAN Wing-yip responded that TD acknowledged the public aspirations, and had been studying the proposal to install a hillside escalator and a lift. TD would consider the locations suggested by the public after completing the study and would provide the relevant information after the meeting.

60. The Chairperson concluded as follows: i. TD was requested to submit a written reply to explain the feasibility of providing an escalator, a ramp or a lift at the three locations proposed by HKHS, and to provide information on the pedestrian flow at Lai Tak Tsuen Road; and ii. The Committee would continue to follow up on the above issue, and would invite representatives of the departments concerned to report on their proposals at future meetings.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 14 - Action (Post-meeting note: HyD had submitted a written reply in respect of the above agenda item after the meeting.)

(Mr Stephen NG left the meeting at 6:10 p.m.; Ms CHING Lei-yuen, Mr CHENG Ki-kin and Mr Ivan WONG left the meeting at 6:15 p.m.)

Item 12: To Request the Transport Department to Resume Provision of Four Morning Trips for Route No. 511 As Soon As Possible (DPTC Paper No. 27/2016)

61. Mr Steven CHAN of TD briefly introduced the written response. Mr CHAN said that he had conducted a site visit earlier with Mr Anson LAM and Miss Clarisse YEUNG to follow up on the operation of Routes No. 511 and No. 11 of Citybus Limited (CTB). It was found that Route No. 11 occasionally had the problem of irregular bus service. After the site visit, TD had urged CTB to enhance the reliability of the bus service of the route concerned.

62. Mr Anson LAM indicated that he had collected views from 3 000 local residents by means of a questionnaire survey, and the findings were consolidated as follows: i. Nearly 60% of the residents were dissatisfied and extremely dissatisfied with the bus service in the district; ii. Rationalisation of Route No. 511 had resulted in longer bus waiting time and more crowded bus compartments; and iii. Although it was shown in the signs for waiting passengers at the bus stops of Route No. 511 that the waiting time was about 12-15 minutes, 70% of the respondents said that the waiting time was more than 15 minutes.

63. Mr Anson LAM drew the following conclusions from the site visit to inspect the operation of Routes No. 511 and No. 11: i. The bus compartments of Route No. 511 were almost fully loaded; ii. The bus routes of Routes No. 511 and No. 11 were overlapped; and iii. Routes No. 511 and No.11 arrived at the bus stop shortly after one another.

64. Members raised the following comments: i. After the rationalisation of bus routes on 29 September 2015, the downhill trips of Route No. 11 had been changed to the uphill trips of Route No. 511. There was no increase in the overall number of downhill trips. Passengers in the area around Tai Hang Road and Jardine’s Lookout were still affected by the inadequate number of downhill trips; ii. The office of Miss Clarisse YEUNG had appointed the Public Transport Research Team to conduct an investigation. The

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 15 - Action results of the investigation were submitted to TD and the Chairperson of the Committee in April 2016. It was recommended that TD should review the bus route planning programme in accordance with the contents of the report,; iii. Routes No. 511 and No. 11 covered a relatively long service distance, but there were only a total of 6 buses operating under these two routes. In the event of accidents or special traffic conditions, deviation from service schedules might occur, resulting in longer waiting time; iv. CTB should make public the schedule of special departures, and TD was requested to follow up on the issue; and v. They were dissatisfied with TD and the bus companies over the implementation of bus route rationalisation during the recess of WCDC, making it impossible for WCDC to discuss the bus route rationalisation before its implementation.

65. Mr Steven CHAN said that Route No. 11 was a circular route plying between Central Pier and Jardine’s Lookout. As the bus route ran through various busy roads on Hong Kong Island, there would be a greater chance for extended travelling time and unreliable service. TD had also noticed that the average occupancy rate of Route No. 511 was about 80%. TD would continue to monitor its patronage. If the patronage reached the level for frequency enhancement, TD would follow up with the bus company concerned.

66. Members enquired if a request for frequency enhancement could only be made when the occupancy rate had exceeded 100%. Mr Steven CHAN responded that in accordance with TD’s guidelines, TD would request bus companies to consider increasing service frequency if the occupancy rate of a route reached 100% during the busiest half-hour of the peak period or 85% during that one hour. TD was closely monitoring the operation of Route No. 511, and would follow up with the bus company if the occupancy rate reached the level as stipulated in the guidelines mentioned above.

67. Mr Steven CHAN said that TD had received the study report submitted by Miss Clarisse YEUNG. He would follow up with the bus company on the contents of the report, and would later give a written reply to Miss Clarisse YEUNG. He added that TD had consulted DPTC on the 2015-2016 Bus Route Rationalisation Plan at its meeting on 31 March 2015, including the rationalisation arrangements for CTB Routes No. 511 and No. 11. Having balanced the interests of various parties and fully considered WCDC’s comments, TD decided to support the plan made by the bus companies. TD had informed DPTC of its decision on 19 June 2015 and implemented the bus route rationalisation plan on 29 September 2015.

68. Mr Anson LAM opined that though TD had consulted DPTC on the bus route rationalisation plan at its meeting on 31 March 2015, Mr David LAI of the constituency concerned was absent from the meeting. Therefore, TD had not gauged views from the constituency concerned.

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69. Mr Steven CHAN explained that TD had submitted papers on the bus route rationalisation plan via the Secretariat to Members to invite views from them. Even though the bus route rationalisation plan was already implemented, TD would maintain an open mind and would closely monitor the operation of the bus routes. Timely follow-up actions would be taken whenever necessary.

70. The Chairperson requested TD to conduct another site visit with Members, closely monitor and review the bus routes concerned and take timely follow-up actions.

71. Mr Steven CHAN said that he would keep in contact with Mr Anson LAM, Mr Joey LEE and Miss Clarisse YEUNG, and would be pleased to conduct another site visit later.

72. The Chairperson requested the Secretary to follow up on the arrangement of another site visit.

Discussion Items Item 13: Bus Route Planning Programme 2016-2017 of Wan Chai District – Transport Department (DPTC Paper No. 1/2016)

73. The Chairperson welcomed the following representatives to the meeting for discussion of this agenda item:

TD Senior Transport Officer/Bus/HK 2 Mr Kelvin AU Transport Officer/Bus/HK 2 Mr Damon LEUNG

CTB/New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) Manager (Planning) Mr Mistral SIN Chief Planning Officer Mr Brian NG Senior Public Affairs Officer Miss Joyce WAN

NWFB Assistant Operations Manager Mr YUEN Chi-wai

CTB Manager (Department One - Traffic) Miss Rosa HO

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 17 - Action The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) Senior Manager, Community Affairs Mr WAN Yin-chiu Principal Operations Officer, Lai Chi Kok Depot Mr LEUNG Wang-cheong Assistant Manager, Planning & Development Ms Peggy WONG

74. Mr Kelvin AU, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, briefed Members on the Bus Route Planning Programme 2016-2017 of Wan Chai District.

75. Ms Jacqueline CHUNG pointed out the bus stop at No. 20 Canal Road West served a total of 12 bus routes. The large number of people waiting for buses on the narrow footpath caused obstruction to the entrances/exits of the shops and buildings along Nos. 19-25A Canal Road West. It was suggested that TD should consider rationalising the bus stops of the bus routes concerned by relocating the bus stops of some of the bus routes to the vicinity of South Pacific Hotel. This could ensure the safety of people waiting for buses and the pedestrians nearby, and at the same time alleviate the congestion of the footpath along Nos. 19-25A Canal Road West.

76. Mr Kelvin AU said that TD would conduct a site visit with the bus companies concerned to the bus stop on Canal Road West to follow up on the congestion problem on the narrow footpath.

77. Members raised the following comments regarding the proposal on Route No. 5X: i. Paper no. 1/2016 did not indicate the patronage, the occupancy rate and the pick-up and drop-off points of every bus route; ii. The paper did not explain the proposed locations to be served by Route No. 5X. It was hoped that a bus stop could be provided on Harcourt Road for the convenience of the passengers heading to Admiralty; iii. The proposed routeing of Route No. 5X might encounter greater congestion than the original routeing. For instance, such problem might emerge when it was running along the new road section on Luard Road. The bus company concerned was therefore requested to carefully consider the traffic conditions; iv. The paper did not indicate the routeing from Tin Hau to Tai Hang and from Tai Hang to Admiralty for the proposed Route No. 5X; and v. There was no bus route running directly from Tai Hang to Sai Ying Pun following the cancellation of Route No. 5, and the bus fare of the proposed Route No. 5X was one dollar more than that of Route No. 5. The bus company concerned was requested to consider the need of passengers for travelling from Tai Hang to Hong Kong West.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 18 - Action 78. Mr Kelvin AU responded to the suggestions on Route No. 5X as follows: i. Provision of a bus stop at the westbound Harcourt Road would create a circuitous route, whereas the proposed routeing was comparatively efficient; and ii. The bus company concerned would provide interchange concessions for passengers affected by the bus route rationalisation plan.

79. Members said it was learned from residents that Route No. 81 running from Tai Hang to Hong Kong East had the lost trip problem. They suggested the bus company concerned follow up on the situation. Mr Kelvin AU responded that TD would continue to follow up on the issue.

80. Members raised the following comments: i. The bus route rationalisation plan should not be made solely for commercial interests. Passengers’ needs should also be taken into consideration; and ii. The bus stops of many bus routes were provided on the road section along westbound Causeway Road off Victoria Park, causing serious traffic congestion in the area during peak hours. They suggested bus companies take into account the locations of bus stops in considering bus route rationalisation.

81. Having conducted a survey in the district, a Member suggested bus companies take note of the following arrangements which had caused inconvenience to passengers: i. Route No. 603P had omitted Causeway Bay and Tin Hau after being diverted via Marsh Road; ii. Route No. 18X had omitted North Point after being extended to Siu Sai Wan; and iii. Route No. 23B had been extended to Pokfield Road while the service frequency of Route No. 23 had been reduced, resulting in longer bus waiting time.

82. Mr Kelvin AU responded as follows: i. While Route No. 603P had omitted Causeway Bay and Tin Hau after diversion, passengers could still travel to their destinations by taking Route No. 603; ii. As the changes to the routeing of Route No. 18X were rather significant, TD would conduct a review taking into account the comments of the District Councils concerned; and iii. TD would closely monitor the operation of Routes No. 23B and No. 23 and conduct a review later.

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 19 - Action 83. Members raised further comments as follows: i. Passengers considered a waiting time of around 20-30 minutes for Route No. 41A was too long. While the rationalisation of Route No. 41A was not objected in principle, it was suggested that the bus company concerned should review the service frequency and discuss the route again with WCDC; ii. They raised objections to the rationalisation of Route No. 23B. As the residents of the area around Braemar Hill and Lai Tak Tsuen relied on Route No. 23B to travel down the hill, cancellation of the trip at 8:55 a.m. would cause inconvenience to them. They suggested TD conduct a review of the route; iii. Since Route No. 81 covered a relatively long service distance and ran through busy districts, it was suggested that the bus companies concerned should consider rationalising the route, in order to address the frequent lost trip problem; iv. A reduction in the number of bus routes could help alleviate the traffic congestion in the vicinity of Causeway Bay; v. The paper did not indicate the outcome of bus route rationalisation implemented last year, making it difficult for Members to understand the situation after rationalisation. The paper did not indicate the actual patronage of individual routes, making it difficult for Members to understand the patronage situation. It was therefore suggested that TD should take note of these concerns and provide detailed information prior to the meeting in the future; vi. They suggested installing an electronic system at bus stops to inform the public of the estimated time of bus arrivals; and vii. Route No. 2 had serious problems of lost trip and overloading during morning peak hours due to its relatively long journey. It was suggested that TD and the bus companies concerned closely monitor and review the service of the route.

84. Mr Kelvin AU responded as follows: i. Route No. 41A ran a relatively long distance, making it easier to be affected by traffic conditions, thus resulting in lost trips. TD would closely monitor the service of the route; ii. While the paper proposed to cancel the morning trip at 8:55 a.m. of Route No. 23, passengers could make use of other existing routes including Routes No. 25A, No. 25 and No. 26 to travel down the hill, and could then travel to various destinations by interchanging to other bus routes. TD would continue to monitor the operation of Routes No. 23B and No. 23; iii. Route No. 8 ran a relatively long distance, making it easier to be affected by traffic conditions, thus resulting in lost trips. TD would closely monitor the service of the route; iv. There had been a reduction in the frequency of bus services on Hennessy Road since 2012; v. TD noted the request by Members, and would provide

5th_dptc_minutes_03_e - 20 - Action information on the patronage of various bus routes in the future; vi. KMB and LWB had provided passengers with real-time information on bus arrivals for their franchised regular routes; similar information had been provided by CTB for its nine airport bus routes ; CTB and NWFB were planning to provide such information for their passengers in stages; and vii. TD would consider Members’ suggestions regarding Route No. 2.

85. Mr Mistral SIN provided supplementary information as follows: i. CTB would regularly review the bus stop arrangement with TD, and would take into account Members’ comments in following up on the issue; ii. At present, the occupancy rate of Route No. 41A during peak hours was 60-70%, showing that the bus service could basically meet passengers’ demand. CTB would monitor the service of the route; and iii. Regarding unreliable service of Route No. 41A after being diverted via Braemar Hill Road, CTB would address the problem of unreliable service before reviewing the need for frequency enhancement.

86. Miss Joyce WAN told the meeting that CTB and NWFB were planning to extend the enquiry service on real-time information about bus arrivals to all routes by 2018. They were now preparing for the technical upgrade. Passengers could enquire about the next bus arrival time via mobile app or webpage in the future.

87. Members raised further comments as follows: i. They suggested TD and the bus company concerned follow up on the comments by Members’ on Route No. 23B; and ii. They suggested that TD and the bus company concerned make a better proposal for Route No. 41A and submit it to WCDC for Members’ discussion.

88. The Chairperson raised the following comments: i. She suggested that TD and the bus company concerned closely monitor the impact of Route No. 5X on the traffic flow of the area around Hennessy Road, inner Gloucester Road and Luard Road; ii. She suggested that TD and the bus companies concerned arrange for a site visit to the bus stops located on Canal Road West and Causeway Road off the Hong Kong Central Library; and iii. She said that the Committee would continue to raise comments with TD and bus companies after the rationalisation of bus routes.

89. Mr Steven CHAN and Mr Kelvin AU noted the above comments.

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90. A Member objected to the Bus Route Planning Programme 2016-2017 of Wan Chai District. In addition, two other Members suggested TD and bus companies revise the programme for further discussion at future Committee’s meetings.

91. In conclusion, the Chairperson hoped that TD and bus companies would consider revising the programme by taking into account Members’ comments. Representatives of TD and bus companies would be invited to conduct a site visit or respond to further enquiries at future meetings if necessary.

(Mr Joey LEE, Miss Clarisse YEUNG and Mr NG Kwok-shing left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.)

Date of Next Meeting 92. As some Members had left the meeting because of other engagements, a quorum was not present. In accordance with section 12(2) of the Standing Orders of WCDC, the Chairperson directed the Secretary at 7:25 p.m to summon those Members not present.

93. Since a quorum was not present after the Secretary had contacted all Members not present, the Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The next meeting would be held at 4:00 p.m. on 14 June 2016 (Tuesday).

Wan Chai District Council Secretariat June 2016

These minutes of meeting were confirmed on 14 June 2016.

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