(Translation)

Minutes of the 19th Meeting of Traffic and Transport Committee, the 5th Term District Council

Date: 29 November 2018 (Thursday) Time: 2:30 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Office, Unit 05-07, 20/F Millennium City 6, 392 , Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Present:

Members

Ms SO Lai-chun, MH, JP (Chairman) Mr HUNG Kam-in, Kin, MH Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong (Vice-chairman) Ms KAM Kin Mr AU YEUNG Kwan-nok Mr KAN Ming-tung Mr BUX Sheik Anthony Mr LAI Shu-ho, Patrick, BBS, MH, JP Mr CHAN Chun-kit Mr LUI Tung-hai, MH Mr CHAN Kok-wah, Ben, BBS, MH Mr MA Yat-chiu, Marco Mr CHAN Man-kin Mr MOK Kin-shing Mr CHAN Wah-yu, Nelson, MH, JP Mr NGAN Man-yu Mr CHENG Keng-ieong Mr OR Chong-shing, Wilson, MH Mr CHENG Keung-fung Mr SO Koon-chung, Kevin Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang Mr TAM Siu-cheuk Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah, MH Mr TANG Wing-chun Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan Ms TSE Suk-chun Mr CHOY Chak-hung Mr WONG Chun-ping, MH Ms FU Pik-chun Mr YIP Hing-kwok, BBS, MH, JP Mr HSU Hoi-shan Mr YIU Pak-leung, Perry, MH

Co-opted Member

Mr FUNG Wang-yui Mr KWONG Sing-yu Mr HUI Chin-pang

Representatives of Government Departments

Ms CHAN Pik-ki, Eiphie Assistant District Officer (Kwun Tong)1, Kwun Tong District Office Mr LEE Yin-bun, Philip Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Kwun Tong District Office Ms CHEUNG Suk-ling, Cindy Senior Transport Officer/Kwun Tong, Transport Department Miss SZE Suk-wai, Muriel Senior Transport Officer/Kai Tak & Projects, Transport Department Mr HO Ming-him, Donald Engineer/Kwun Tong 1, Transport Department Ms CHAN Ka-yan Engineer/Kwun Tong 3, Transport Department Mr FUNG Cho-kin, Joe Engineer/Kwun Tong 2, Transport Department Mr LEONG Man-hin, Jason District Engineer/Kwun Tong, Highways Department Mr Chu Chi-wai, Boris Representative, Kwun Tong District, Police Force Mr HO Chi-kin Representative, Sau Mau Ping District, Hong Kong Police Force

Representatives Present to Assist Discussion of Agenda Items

Agenda Item II Provision of Cover to Walkway along Lei Yue Mun Road from Public Transport Interchange to Kwun Tong Police Station

Mr TSANG Hin-man Senior Engineer/CWY 2, Works Section/CWY, Works Division, Highways Department

2 Mr KWAN Ka-lung Engineer/C1, Works Section/CWY, Works Division, Highways Department Mr LAW Ho-kin, John Engineer 3/Walkability, Walkability Study Team, Task Force/Walkability, Urban Regional Office, Transport Department Ms LUI Bik-yuk, Pamela Associate, WSP (Asia) Limited

Item IV Development of Anderson Road Quarry Site—Pedestrian Connectivity Facilities and Progress Report

Mr LEUNG Chung-lap, Michael, JP Project Manager (East), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr LEUNG Siu-kau, Kelvin Chief Engineer/East 2, Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr CHAN Lun-ming Senior Engineer/6 (East), Civil Engineering and Development Department

Secretary

Miss CHAN Ka-ying, Candy Executive Officer (District Council)5, Kwun Tong District Office

Absent:

Members

Dr CHAN Chung-bun, Bunny, GBS, JP Mrs POON YAM Wai-chun, Winnie, MH Mr CHAN Yiu-hung, Jimmy Mr WONG Chi-ken Mr HO Kai-ming, Jonathan

3 Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and departmental representatives to the meeting.

I. Confirmation of Minutes of Last Meeting

2. The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed without amendment.

II. Provision of Cover to Walkway along Lei Yue Mun Road from Lam Tin Public Transport Interchange to Kwun Tong Police Station (KTDC TTC Paper No. 38/2018)

3. The Chairman welcomed representatives of the Highways Department (HyD) and the consultancy to the meeting.

4. Representatives of the HyD and the consultancy presented the paper.

5. Three Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

5.1 It was opined that the road section between Lei On Court and the Lam Tin Public Transport Interchange (PTI) was the most important part of the project and therefore it was insisted that the cover of the walkway should cover that road section so that the works could truly benefit residents. It was agreed that there were construction difficulties in regard to the construction of the cover on the above road section and hoped that the Transport Department (TD) and HyD would actively study solutions and subsequently re-submit the project to the Traffic and Transport Committee (TTC) for deliberations;

5.2 An example of providing an additional cover to the escalator connecting Exit A, Lam Tin MTR Station to Kai Tin Shopping Centre was raised. Since the provision of the cover, it had become more convenient for residents to commute. Therefore, it was suggested that the HyD should draw on the experience of this project and study the provision of additional covers at the two access roads so that the design could be more comprehensive; and

5.3 The feasibility of handling metal railings and fences altogether was enquired about. It was hoped that the walkway could be widened.

4 6. The representative of the consultancy responded that the road section between Lei On Court and Lam Tin PTI was found to be an emergency vehicular access and waterworks reserve of the Water Supplies Department (WSD). The underground of the reserve was densely packed with manhole facilities, making the underground space inadequate to accommodate the foundations of the cover and therefore the provision of an additional cover on the road section was not recommendable.

7. The representative of the TD responded that a cover built on an emergency vehicular access should be 5 metres tall at least. This height would make the cover fail to shelter the road from wind and rain. Therefore, according to the TD’s Transport Planning and Design Manual, the TD advised that an additional cover should not be provided at an emergency access.

8. The representative of the HyD noted the view of handling metal railings and fences altogether and remarked that the feasibility of the works would be considered when formulating the detailed design.

9. Three Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

9.1 It was pointed out that the WSD had promised to spare 1.5 metres of space for the landing point of the cover. It was also mentioned that covers had been provided for the entrance and exit of the escape route of Hong Tin Court and a location on Sin Fat Road near the entrance of Red Cross. Therefore, it was incomprehensible as to why the departments advised against the provision of a cover at the road section between Lei On Court and Lam Tin PTI; and

9.2 It was reiterated that residents could be benefitted only after the construction of a cover at the road section between Lei On Court and Lam Tin PTI was confirmed. It was hoped that the departments could listen to the views of District Councilors and members of the public of the constituency concerned and actively examine solutions to the problem.

10. The TD responded that it had requested for works reports from the Home Affairs Department (HAD) earlier and had discovered that the consultancy of the HAD, taking the underground facilities of the WSD as a justification, had also considered the provision of a cover at the road section between Lei On Court and Lam Tin PTI infeasible. In regard to the feasibility of providing a cover at the emergency vehicular access, the TD would study it further after making reference to other taller designs. However, the TD reiterated that the rain and wind resistance performance of covers with a height of 5 metres or above were not satisfactory and complaints in relation to its performance had been received in other districts. The TD could in due course provide Members with information for reference.

5 11. The HyD responded that there were two large fresh water pipes on site, one with a diameter of 700 millimetres (mm) and the other with a diameter of 900 mm, making it difficult to relocate the pipes in-situ for accommodating the foundations of the cover. If the concerned pipes were relocated and adopted a new alignment, the works would be of an enormous scale. Therefore, the TD suggested shelving the provision of a cover at the concerned road section.

12. Two Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

12.1 It was reiterated that the WSD had promised to spare 1.5 metres of space for the landing point of the cover two years before. Therefore, it was incomprehensible as to why the HyD said the works were not feasible;

12.2 Enquiries were raised regarding the reasons why the works at Sin Fat Road and other projects related to the provision of covers had been considered as feasible;

12.3 Enquires were raised on whether the TD knew that the WSD had agreed to spare 1.5 metres of underground space; and

12.4 Enquires were raised on whether the 1.5 metres of underground space that the WSD had promised to spare was enough for constructing a landing point of a cover.

13. The representative of the HyD responded that as Sin Fat Road was not under the purview of the HyD, the HyD was not certain about the constraints of the concerned works in relation to the provision of a cover. The HyD also reiterated that the cover’s performance of resisting wind and rain would be greatly weakened if the cover was built to be too high. In addition, the HyD remarked that providing a cover at the road section between Lei On Court and Lam Tin PTI might involve water pipe diversion works. Not only would the works be arduous, but it would also cause great inconvenience to nearby residents and drivers in the long run. Therefore, the HyD advised against constructing a cover at the concerned road section.

14. A Member raised a follow-up view, opining that the HyD should consider the needs of members of the public and different views of Members, such as adopting movable covers to solve the problem of covers’ being too high.

15. The representative of the HyD responded that the HyD would conduct a study with the WSD on the time required for diverting pipes and assess the impact of the works on members of the public.

16. The representative of the TD responded that the TD would study the feasibility of the works with the HyD and would provide a written reply to Members afterwards. The representative also

6 pointed out that the TD had to reserve time for fund applications and works designs, hoping that Members could confirm the project as soon as possible so as to benefit members of the public.

17. Three Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

17.1 It was hoped that the departments could meet with Members who were concerned about the works and relevant departments after the meeting so as to examine solutions and finalise the works as soon as possible;

17.2 It was pointed out that the majority of residents hoped that they could travel via the PTI to the MTR station by making use of the covered walkway, reflecting that the concerned road section was the most important part of the project. Therefore, the cover must be connected to the PTI;

17.3 It was reiterated that the WSD had promised to spare underground space. Willingness to meet with engineers of the TD and HyD as well as representatives of the WSD in due course was expressed;

17.4 It was hoped that the departments could seriously consider Members’ suggestion of adopting movable covers;

17.5 It was hoped that the departments could help District Councilors of the concerned constituency and to gain a better understanding of the situation as most residents in Tsui Ping Estate would travel to the MTR station via the concerned road section; and

17.6 Doubts were expressed regarding the performance of resisting sunlight and rain of the 2-metre-wide transparent cover planned to be built at the carriageway near the Kwun Tong Police Station. It was suggested that the departments should review the width of the concerned cover.

18. The representative of the HyD agreed to invite District Councilors of the concerned constituency and relevant Members to meet with the representatives of the WSD in future. In addition, besides equipped with sun baffles on the edges, the cover would also adopt less transparent materials to enhance its performance in resisting rain and sunlight. The HyD, despite emphasising that it was generally appropriate for a cover to be 2 meters wide, would further examine the width of the concerned cover.

19. Two Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

7 19.1 The departments were urged to continue to study the feasibility of providing a covered walkway along the road section between Lei On Court and the PTI so as to fulfill the aspirations of residents in the district;

19.2 Enquiries were raised regarding the hygiene problem of the covered walkway. It was pointed out that, if the gully pit of the pathway was silted up, it would cause inconvenience to residents; and

19.3 It was suggested that the canopy of the building should overlap with the edges of the cover so as to enhance the cover’s performance of resisting rain. It was hoped that the departments could note the suggestion.

20. The Chairman hoped that the TD and the HyD could meet with the WSD to study the feasibility of the works and re-submit the design to the TTC for deliberations after improving it.

21. Members noted the paper.

III. Matters on Ancillary Transport Facilities of On Tat Estate and On Tai Estate, Anderson Road (KTDC TTC Paper No. 39/2018)

22. The representative of the TD presented the paper.

23. 11 Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

23.1 Gratitude was expressed to the TD for paying attention to matters related to the ancillary transport facilities of Anderson Road and its surrounding area;

23.2 It was pointed out that there was a great demand for transport services on Anderson Road, causing tremendous transport pressure on surrounding areas. It was hoped that short-haul bus routes plying to Choi Hung could commence operation as soon as possible;

23.3 It was pointed out that residents living near Anderson Road were mainly low-income earners and elderly people. It was opined that the transportation fees for the concerned area was relatively high;

8 23.4 It was hoped that 19-seater minibuses could be put into service in Po Tat, Sau Mau Ping, Sze Shun, On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate;

23.5 It was reflected that residents had an enormous demand for bus services during non-peak hours and buses in the district had a problem of losing trips;

23.6 It was suggested that bus companies could deploy single-decked buses to alleviate the traffic problems of Po Tat Estate and Sze Shun Area;

23.7 It was hoped that bus route no. 290X could provide whole-day service as soon as possible;

23.8 It was hoped that the TD could announce the progress of the East Kowloon Line (EKL) as soon as possible;

23.9 It was opined that the traffic on Anderson Road made no improvement. The TD’s solution of providing additional 16-seater minibuses was also incomprehensible. It was hoped that the TD could first consider purchasing 19-seater minibuses to alleviate the traffic problems;

23.10 In regard to the TD’s earlier move to reduce the number of buses under bus route no. 88 in order to support nearby bus routes, it was requested that the TD restore the original fleet size of bus route no. 88 so as to cater for residents’ needs to travel between Sau Mau Ping Central and Tai Wai Station;

23.11 It was pointed out that charging a full fare for the bus route plying to was unreasonable. It was therefore hoped that the concerned route could implement section fare arrangements so as to alleviate the pressure on bus route no. 213M;

23.12 It was hoped that the TD could continue to consider providing additional bus or minibus routes plying from and to Kwun Tong;

23.13 It was expressed that the TD should first consult residents and District Councilors of the concerned constituency before adjusting bus route no. 11X;

23.14 It was pointed out that it was incomprehensible that although the TD planned to increase the number of buses under bus route no. 213M in the first quarter of next year, the frequency of the concerned bus route would not be enhanced accordingly;

9

23.15 The decision of increasing the number of buses under bus route no. 619X was greatly welcomed. It was also hoped that bus route no. 619X could stop by Sau Ching House on its forward trips;

23.16 It was opined that even if the TD replaced the minibuses under minibus routes to 19-seater minibuses, the needs of residents would not be met. It was suggested that the TD actively consider increasing the number of bus routes plying to so as to make up for the shortfall in minibus services;

23.17 It was incomprehensible that the frequencies of routes such as bus route no. 26 had been reduced despite the increase in population in the district;

23.18 It was hoped that bus route no. 619X could be changed to provide whole-day services so as to facilitate residents’ commuting to Hong Kong Island;

23.19 It was reflected that bus services were inadequate. For example, buses under bus route no. 27 departing from Shun Tin Estate were often fully occupied, making it difficult for residents to get on board at en-route stops. It was hoped that the TD could observe all routes in a holistic manner;

23.20 It was pointed out that the capacity of the roads in the district was saturated. For example, the road leading from Clear Water Bay Road to Kwun Tong was congested. It was opined that the TD should improve road infrastructure facilities;

23.21 It was pointed out that bus route no. 619X could divert traffic flows, thus enabling bus route no. 619 to serve residents boarding at en-route stops. It was therefore hoped that the TD could provide additional bus routes plying to Central;

23.22 It was reflected that there was a strong demand for minibus services from residents. For example, there were queues waiting for minibuses under minibus route nos. 48, 89A and 89B even in non-peak hours. It was suggested that the TD should provide additional bus routes plying to Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay to divert traffic flows in addition to the introduction of 19-seater minibuses;

23.23 Enquires were raised regarding the current capacity of airport bus route no. A26. It was also pointed out that there was an increase of demand for airport buses after the completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). It was hoped that the

10 TD and the bus companies could enhance the frequencies of airport buses and set up bus stops at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) of the HZMB;

23.24 It was hoped that bus route no. 613 plying from On Tai West to Shau Kei Wan could stop by Sau Ming Road on its forward trips;

23.25 It was reflected that there were complaints related to the low frequency of minibus route no. 89B and the minibuses’ occasionally skipping stops even when they were not fully occupied;

23.26 It was opined that the frequency of bus route no. 213X should be enhanced;

23.27 It was urged that the TD should solve the transport problem of On Tat Estate and On Tai Estate at source and adjust the bus fare and frequency of bus route no. 213D to the level of bus route no. 27 in order not to affect commuting of residents of Sze Shun Area and its surrounding areas;

23.28 It was opined that the TD had not actively addressed the traffic problem in the district, making residents suffering traffic problems during both peak and non-peak hours;

23.29 It was pointed out that the frequency of bus route no. 214 still needed enhancement so as to cater for residents’ needs during peak and non-peak hours;

23.30 It was opined that there was a need to enhance the frequency of bus route no. 613 plying from On Tai Area to . It was also hoped that the concerned route could be extended and terminated at Siu Sai Wan;

23.31 It was hoped that bus route no. A26 could set up a stop at the HZMB so as to facilitate Yau Tong residents’ commuting to the artificial island of the HZMB;

23.32 It was requested that bus route no. 213D plying to Choi Hung be confirmed as soon as possible so as to divert the passenger flow of bus route no. 27;

23.33 Enquires were raised regarding the commissioning timetable of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass (CWB); and

23.34 It was hoped that 19-seater minibuses could be introduced to green minibus (GMB) route no. 89B as soon as possible so as to alleviate the situation that residents failed to get on board at en-route stops.

11 24. The highlights of the response given by the representative of the TD were as follows:

24.1 The TD would arrange a survey as soon as possible so as to gain an understanding of residents’ aspirations and travelling modes. The data collected would be submitted to the District Council (DC) for consulting Members’ views and arranging short-haul bus routes;

24.2 The bus company was considering the extension of bus route no. 11X to On Tat Estate and On Tai Estate. The Bus Development Branch would submit the proposal to the DC for deliberations once it was received;

24.3 The TD requested the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) to consider setting up bus stops for bus route no. 13M in On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate and was awaiting the reply from the KMB;

24.4 The TD would write to request the operator to speed up the replacement of minibuses plying among Po Tat Area, Sau Mau Ping and Sze Shun Area to 19-seater minibuses. At the same time, the TD noted Members’ views and suggested the operator first provide additional 19-seaters minibuses when financial conditions allowed;

24.5 In regard to the arrangement of deploying single-decked buses to support the services of minibus route no. 71A, the TD would continue to gain an understanding of the situation of minibus routes and suggest the operator enhance the frequencies of minibuses afterwards. The TD would also gain an understanding of the needs of providing additional bus routes in Po Tat Estate from the bus companies;

24.6 The TD would strive to enable bus route no. 290X to provide whole-day services starting from December; [Post-meeting note: bus route no. 290X started to provide whole-day services on 22 December 2018.]

24.7 The TD would relay Members’ aspiration of commencing the EKL as soon as possible to the Railway Development Office of the HyD for follow-up actions;

24.8 In regard to Members’ aspiration for the provision of additional bus routes plying to Kowloon Bay, the TD had been actively studying with bus companies the provision of special departures diverting via Kowloon Bay in the morning so as to divert passengers heading to Kowloon Bay;

12 24.9 In regard to residents’ demand for bus route nos. 26, 27 and 619X, the TD examined the capacity of buses every month. The TD would immediately ask bus companies to increase the number of buses and enhance the frequencies once the capacity increased. In addition, the TD would write to KMB and request for enhancement of frequencies of bus route nos. 26, 27,11X and 29M. At the same time, the TD would actively meet with bus companies and discuss the provision of additional bus services heading to Choi Hung;

24.10 In regard to the setting up of a bus stop for bus route no. 613 at Sau Ming Road, the Bus Development Branch had been following up on it with the bus company and requesting the bus company to submit bus route plans in regard to the aspirations of residents in the district as soon as possible. The TD would also report to Members of the concerned contingency on the latest progress;

24.11 In regard to skipping stops by bus route no. 89B with no reasonable explanations, the TD would relay to the operator the drivers’ conduct problem and request the operator to face the problem squarely;

24.12 The TD noted Members’ request for enhancing the frequency of bus route no. 213X and would relay the concerned request to the bus company for their follow-up actions. The TD would also ask the bus company to make reference to the latest report so that the bus company could deploy its buses according to residents’ demand;

24.13 In regard to Members’ suggestion of setting up a bus stop of bus route no. A26 at the HKBCF of the HZMB, the TD would relay the concerned suggestion to relevant divisions of the department;

24.14 The TD would provide Members with the operation commencement timetable of the bus route plying from Yau Tong to Tsuen Wan West after the meeting;

24.15 According to the investigation report of the TD, the utilisation rate of bus route no. 619X was high. The services of the concerned route would be enhanced under future route development plans. Although the two bus companies intended to provide additional pick-up/set-down points in Sau Mau Ping, the TD had to consider the number of buses and the frequency arrangements so as to ensure passengers could really be benefitted;

24.16 The TD would, if the road traffic condition allowed and the patronage was sufficient, first consider providing additional bus routes. The needs of the district would be

13 taken into consideration when providing additional minibus routes and express routes in order to tie in with bus routes. In addition, the TD also planned to provide additional minibus routes in On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate and was conducting relevant studies at the moment;

24.17 The TD would submit papers in relation to the amendments of bus route no. 11X for consultation with the DC;

24.18 The TD requested the bus company to enhance the frequency of bus route no. 88 during peak hours to solve the problem of passengers’ being stranded;

24.19 Bus companies noted Members’ request for implementing section fares. The TD would continue to study with the bus companies the feasibility of arranging short-haul bus routes heading to Choi Hung in the morning. The TD would also request the bus companies to observe the toll ceiling;

24.20 Taken into account the drastic increase in transportation demand in the district caused by the occupation of On Tai Estate, the TD would continue to gain an understanding on the traveling mode and time of residents of On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate and study with bus companies on enhancing bus services downhill. The TD would also study the traffic problem of the district together with bus companies and the TTC;

24.21 After inspections, the TD noted that the patronage of bus route no. 27 was relatively high. The bus company enhanced the frequency after noticing the concerned situation. The bus company would also make immediate deployment and arrangements to the frequency according to traffic conditions so as to minimise the waiting time of passengers;

24.22 The TD noted Members’ request for an enhancement in frequency of bus route nos. 213 and 614;

24.23 The TD remarked that the Bus Development Branch had reservations about the extension of bus route no. 613 to Chai Wan. The TD would ask the bus company to see if there was any other solution; and

24.24 The TD would provide the commissioning time of the CWB after the meeting.

25. Four Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

14 25.1 It was opined that enhancing the frequency of bus route no. 27 could not help to solve the traffic problem;

25.2 It was pointed out that providing one or two additional departures for bus route no. 213 was not sufficient to solve the traffic problem in the district. It was hoped that the TD could solve the problem at source by enhancing the frequencies of buses plying from On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate to Mong Kok as well as adjusting the fares of the concerned routes to reasonable level, thereby alleviating the traffic pressure in Sze Shun Area;

25.3 Enquires were raised regarding the reason for postponing the operation commencement time of bus route no. 619X from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. It was opined that the TD should explain to Members for every amendment in future;

25.4 It was reflected that most of the residents in the district were grassroots people and the bus fare for travelling from On Tat Estate to Mong Kok was too high for them. The bus fare mechanism was found to be puzzling;

25.5 It was pointed out that the extension of bus route no. 613 plying between On Tat Estate and Chai Wan was the aspiration of residents for years. It was hard to understand why the TD objected the extension of the concerned route;

25.6 In regard to the amendments to bus route nos. 11X and 13M, it was hoped that the TD could conduct detailed consultations with District Councilors of Sau Mau Ping Area and resident organisations in advance, so that residents and Members could gain an understanding of the situation; and

25.7 It was hoped that bus route no. 619X could stop by Sau Ching House on its forward trips.

26. The highlights of the response given by the TD were as follows:

26.1 The TD would confirm the provision of additional short-haul bus routes plying to Choi Hung as soon as possible; [Post-meeting note: starting from 14 January 2019 (Monday), KMB bus route no. 213D will provide five special departments under bus route no. 213A. They will ply from On Tat Estate Bus Terminus to Choi Hung Station via On Tai Estate Bus Terminus during 6:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays).]

15 26.2 The TD wrote several letters to the bus companies in regard to fare deduction. The bus companies noted the suggestions for deducting bus fares and implementing section fares. The TD would continue to follow up on the concerned matters.

26.3 In regard to the provision of additional pick-up/set-down points for bus route no. 619X, the TD remarked that the concerned measure would increase the demand. Therefore, the TD had to discuss with KMB and New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) about the number of buses and deployment arrangements so as to confirm the provision of additional buses as soon as possible;

26.4 The TD had a fare mechanism which stipulated that fares charged by bus companies should not exceed the upper limit. Fares for short-haul routes should also be determined according to the fare mechanism;

26.5 As the extension of bus route no. 613 to Chai Wan would increase the overall travelling time and affect the turnover and deployment of buses, the Bus Development Branch was therefore reserved about the efficiency of the concerned amendment. The TD would relay Members’ views to the Bus Development Branch for their reconsideration; and

26.6 In regard to the amendments of bus route nos. 11X and 13M, the TD would submit the papers to the TTC for consultation.

27. A Member remarked that the routeing of bus route no. 14H in fact made passengers pay a fare four times higher than the one they should pay and hoped that section fares could be adopted for the route.

28. The Chairman concluded that he hoped that the TD could enhance the services of buses and minibuses. She also suggested holding a working group meeting at 9:00 a.m. on 6 December 2018 (Thursday).

(Post-meeting note: the meeting of the Working Group on Improving Transport Facilities in Kwun Tong District was held on 6 December 2018.)

IV. Development of Anderson Road Quarry Site—Pedestrian Connectivity Facilities and Progress Report (KTDC TTC Paper No. 40/2018)

16 29. The Chairman welcomed the following officers to the meeting: Mr Michael LEUNG, Project Manager (East), Mr Kelvin LEUNG, Chief Engineer, and Mr CHAN Lun-ming, Senior Engineer, of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) to the meeting.

30. The representatives of the CEDD presented the paper.

31. Nine Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

31.1 Support was expressed for the works. It was hoped that the works could be confirmed as soon as possible;

31.2 It was pointed out that the utilisation rate of the footbridge connecting On Tat Estate, On Tai Estate and other housing estates was high and its lifts were often overloaded during peak hours. It was hoped that the TD could consider providing additional escalators at the footbridge during the next investigation stage so that the connecting system could divert traffic pressure of the surrounding areas more effectively;

31.3 It was opined that the connecting system required proper ancillary facilities. For example, the footbridge connecting Po Tat Estate and Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre and the footbridge connecting On Tat Estate and Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre should be provided with covers so as to facilitate residents’ commuting;

31.4 It was suggested that the height of the fences of the four footbridges in On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate should be increased so as to protect the safety of residents and reduce the number of people jumping down from the footbridges;

31.5 It was opined that the management power of cleaning work of the interior parts of the lifts was dispersed and hoped that the TD could centralise the management power of cleaning work of the lifts;

31.6 It was opined that On Tat Estate lacked ancillary transport facilities. It was hoped that the TD could provide convenience for residents in On Tai Estate and Shun Tin Estate travelling to and from Kwun Tong by a pedestrian linkage system, thereby alleviating the traffic pressure in the district;

31.7 It was suggested that connectivity facilities should be provided to connect the tertiary education institute with Tsui Ping (South) Estate so as to facilitate students’ commuting to the school and improve the whole pedestrian linkage system;

17 31.8 It was suggested that the TD should aim at facilitating residents’ access to MTR stations when designing the pedestrian linkage system;

31.9 It was suggested that the footbridge could use floor-to-ceiling glass windows to prevent accidents without blocking the views;

31.10 In regard to the housing development of Ping Shek Area, it was hoped that the TD could make reference to the design of Choi Hing Court so as to alleviate traffic congestion by making use of the pedestrian linkage as well as encouraging residents to use the facilities in Ping Shek Playground;

31.11 Views on schools around Hiu Ming Street were reflected. It was hoped that the TD could consider turning pedestrian connectivity facilities E7 and E8 into facilities connecting Sau Mau Ping South Estate with Tseung Kwan O Road to facilitate residents and students’ commuting to MTR stations;

31.12 It was suggested that the TD should consider adopting a more spacious design when providing lifts so as to minimise residents’ waiting time for using the connecting system;

31.13 It was pointed out that the progress of pedestrian connectivity facilities failed to catch up with the housing development, thereby failing to cater for residents’ needs;

31.14 It was opined that pedestrian connectivity facilities brought environmental benefits because the facilities enabled residents to choose walking as their means of commuting, which helped to reduce emissions. The high population density in Kwun Tong made it difficult to solve the traffic problems by solely increasing the number of vehicles and enhancing the frequencies;

31.15 It was opined that the TD had to be more far-sighted when planning pedestrian connectivity facilities. It was suggested that the TD should construct a footbridge with pedestrian and vehicular segregation in Kwun Tong West so that residents in On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate could travel to the MTR station via New Clear Water Bay Road. At the same time, the footbridge could also cater for the population growth brought by the future housing development projects in Tai Sheung Tok; and

31.16 It was hoped that the TD could explain the reason why the TD had delayed the public consultation for the EKL and the confirmation of constructing the concerned railway.

18 32. The highlights of the response given by Project Manager (East), CEDD, were as follows:

32.1 After studying with the HyD and HD, the TD opined that it was feasible to improve the efficiency of lift utilisation by drawing waiting lines on the floor of the footbridges in On Tat Estate and On Tai Estate, thereby helping to solve the problem of congestion and delay of lifts caused by chaotic queuing;

32.2 The pedestrian connectivity facilities proposed by the CEDD came with covers. As Po Tat Estate was under the purview of the HD, the provision of covers in the concerned estate had to be passed to the HD for study and follow-up actions;

32.3 The HyD and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department were responsible for the daily operation and cleaning of the lifts respectively. The CEDD would relay Members’ views to relevant departments for follow-up actions;

32.4 In regard to the current study on the pedestrian network conducted by the DC, the TD was willing to exchange views with the consultancy of the DC and adjust its design accordingly;

32.5 The TD contacted Tsui Ping (North) Estate again. However, the owners’ corporation of Tsui Ping (North) Estate still had reservations on the suggestion of extending the pedestrian linkage to Tsui Ping (North) Estate. The TD noted the Vocational Training Council was planning to move. The TD would pay close attention to the development of the concerned site and conduct follow-up actions;

32.6 The views regarding the height of the footbridge fences were noted;

32.7 In regard to the views regarding the design of lift towers, the TD pointed out that both lifts and escalators were included in the designs of E7 and E10 in order to enhance the utilisation rate of E7 and E10 through a two-pronged approach;

32.8 The HD was responsible for the study on converting six private housing sites to public housing sites. The HD would submit the concerned project to the DC and report on it in due course; and

32.9 In regard to the suggestion of constructing pedestrian connectivity facilities to connect Clear Water Bay Road with Choi Hung Estate, the TD remarked that the concerned suggestion was beyond the scope of the proposed works.

19 33. Members endorsed the paper.

V. Progress Report on Road Projects in Kwun Tong (KTDC TTC Paper No. 41/2018)

34. Members had no comments on the projects.

35. Members noted the paper.

VI. List and Timetable of Major Traffic Improvement Works Completed, Being Implemented or Planned by the TD / HyD in the Last Two Months (KTDC TTC Paper No. 42/2018)

36. A Member asked the TD/HyD about the works progress of the installation of additional traffic lights on Ko Chiu Road outside Yau Tong Community Centre.

37. The representative of the TD responded that district consultations had been conducted earlier in regard to the installation of additional traffic lights on Ko Chiu Road outside Yau Tong Community Centre. Since no objection was received, the TD had issued a works request form to the HyD.

38. The representative of the HyD responded that the TD was reviewing the design of the works and the underground utilities at the moment.

39. Members noted the paper.

VII. TTC Financial Statement for 2018/19 (KTDC TTC Paper No. 43/2018)

40. The Secretary presented the paper.

41. Members endorsed the paper.

20 VIII. Any Other Business –- Request for Discussion on Ancillary Transport Facilities in Kwun Tong for Travelling to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital

42. The Chairman remarked that concerns had been raised regarding the ancillary transport facilities in Kwun Tong for travelling to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

43. Seven Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

43.1 It was pointed out that bus and minibus routes plying to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital had to pass , a number of public housing estates and a number of office buildings. It was worried that the existing ancillary transport facilities would fail to meet the transportation needs of sick children, family members of the sick children and residents;

43.2 Bus route no. 22A plying between MTR Station and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital passed Kwun Tong Road and and returned to Hoi Yuen Road before heading to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, which made the whole journey (waiting time included) extremely time consuming. Therefore, it was hoped that the TD could improve the concerned route and provide point-to-point services from Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital so as to shorten journey time;

43.3 It was reflected that there was a serious lack of ancillary transport facilities for travelling from Sau Mau Ping Estate to MTR stations. Enquiries were raised regarding the tendering progress of GMB routes plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. It was also strongly requested that stops for the abovementioned GMB routes be set up at Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station;

43.4 It was pointed out that, Sau Mau Ping Estate, despite having a greater population than Po Tat Estate, had a lower frequency of minibuses when compared with Po Tat Estate. It was difficult to understand the allocation of ancillary transport facilities;

43.5 In regard to the limited number of minibuses and departures of minibus route no. 22A, it was suggested that new minibus routes plying between Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital should be provided so as to provide circular routes and reduce the impact on residents;

43.6 It was puzzling that the TD had failed to provide residents in Lam Tin with ancillary transport facilities for travelling from and to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. At the

21 same time, it was hoped that the TD could provide at Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station a circular route plying between the station and the hospital so that residents could go to the hospital by taking another transport mode after arriving at the station;

43.7 In regard to the provision of additional minibus routes plying from Yau Tong to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, it was opined that the measure could only benefit residents in Yau Lai Estate. It was hoped that the concerned minibus routes could pass Lei Yue Mun Road and Ko Chiu Road so as to benefit all residents in Yau Tong;

43.8 It was hoped that the minibus route plying from Yau Tong to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital could stop by Domain so as to shorten the travelling time; and

43.9 Gratitude was expressed to the Chairman for including the matter related to the ancillary transport facilities in Kwun Tong for travelling to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in the agenda. Aspirations of hospital staff and patients for an enhancement of ancillary transport facilities in Kwun Tong for travelling to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital were also raised. Therefore, it was hoped that the provision of minibus routes plying from Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital could be confirmed as soon as possible. The TD should also continue to improve the ancillary transport facilities continuously.

44. The Chairman strongly requested that an en-route stop should be provided at Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre for the GMB route plying from Sau Mau Ping to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital so as to facilitate residents’ commuting.

45. The highlights of the response given by the representative of the TD were as follows:

45.1 In regard to the enquires regarding the tendering progress of GMB routes plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, the TD pointed out that the tendering progress had entered the final stage of selecting the operator and the concerned GMB routes were expected to commence operation in December 2018; [Post-meeting note: the two GMB routes plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital are expected to commence operation in February 2019.]

45.2 The TD pointed out that there were two franchised bus routes (KMB bus route no. 5R and NWFB bus route no. 22) and three GMB routes (minibus route nos. 86, 68 and 22A) passing through Hong Kong Children’s Hospital;

22 45.3 The TD noted Members’ requests and would discuss with the future operator of the GMB routes plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital the provision of stops at Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station. The TD also pointed out that en-route stops for KMB bus route no. 7R and GMB route no. 68 were provided at Ngau Tau Kok Station at the moment;

45.4 The TD noted Members’ views and would study the suggestion on the provision of stops near Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre for the concerned GMB routes;

45.5 At the moment, KMB bus route nos. 14X, 15A, 74B and 215 were providing bus services plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital;

45.6 The hospital staff of Hong Kong Children’s Hospital could enjoy employees’ service provided by the hospital. The TD would also closely monitor passengers’ needs after the commissioning of the concerned hospital and enhance transport services according to the needs;

45.7 As Hong Kong Children’s Hospital would commence operation in phases, the TD would increase ancillary transport facilities according to the services of the hospital;

45.8 In regard to Members’ request for the provision of additional short-haul services under route no. 22A, the TD noted the suggestion and would provide additional short-haul routes depending on needs. The TD also mentioned that a stop for the new minibus route plying from Sau Mau Ping to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital would be set up at Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station to provide services to residents;

45.9 In regard to the reflection that the service hours of KMB bus route no. 5R were too short, the TD would pay close attention to the traffic demand after the commissioning of Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and conduct a further review; and

45.10 As there was enough space to set up a minibus terminus only in Yau Lai Estate throughout Yau Tong Area, the terminus of minibus routes plying to and from Hong Kong Children’s Hospital would be set up in Yau Lai Estate. The TD would continue to improve ancillary transport facilities.

46. Two Members raised follow-up views and enquiries as follows:

23 46.1 It was opined that setting up additional en-route stops for GMB routes could not solve the traffic problems. For example, bus route no. 76B was not able to serve residents at en-route stops due to the great demand;

46.2 It was expressed that the bus fares of bus routes plying to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (such as bus route no. 74B) were not reasonable and section fare arrangements should be adopted;

46.3 Enquires were raised on whether a stop for bus route no. 14X would be set up at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital;

46.4 It was hoped that the TD could provide minibus circular routes departing from Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station and offer interchange discounts to passengers who interchange with other transportation after exiting Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station; and

46.5 Residents’ aspiration for the implementation of section fare arrangements in regard to minibus routes plying from Sau Mau Ping to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital was reflected. It was hoped that the TD could implement section fare arrangements for the section from Sau Mau Ping to Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station and the section from Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

47. The representative of the TD responded that the TD would relay Members’ suggestion of implementing section fare arrangements to relevant departments. At the same time, the TD would suggest bus companies to implement section fare arrangements where practicable. In regard to Members’ enquires regarding bus route no. 14X, the TD pointed out that a bus top for bus route no. 14X was provided at Kwun Tong Promenade and the stop was only several minutes’ walking distance to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

IX. Date of Next Meeting

48. The next meeting was scheduled to be held at 2:30 p.m. on 31 January 2019 (Thursday).

47. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

The minutes of the meeting were confirmed on 31 January 2019.

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Kwun Tong District Council Secretariat November 2018

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