$262m funding to get green transit system off the ground

Stacy Shi

Mainland green transport giants BYD and CRRC Corporation are interested in building the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon, Director of Highways Tony Yau Kwok-ting said.

This comes as the Legislative Council's public works subcommittee approved HK$262 million funding for surveys and planning design for the system yesterday.

During the meeting, Yau said the Highways Department has connected with multiple mainland companies that have shown interest in the project.

The seven-kilometer long system includes six kms of elevated viaducts, one-km tunnel and eight stations at Choi Hung East, Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Yau Tong East.

Yau noted that authorities will have to select an option suitable for Hong Kong after studying various proposals provided by the companies, with the aim of inviting tenders in 2026, commencing construction in 2027 and completing by 2033.

"The sooner the project is completed, the sooner the transportation system can be put into service, which can assist the successful bidder responsible for construction and operation in maintaining a healthy cash flow," Yau said.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun expressed concern about whether fares would be given considerable weight while reviewing tenders, and urged the administration to introduce a fare adjustment formula linked to inflation.

Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Amy Wong Pui-man stated that a fare adjustment mechanism would be introduced pending operators' views later this year.

Lawmakers were concerned about the funding of the project, which might affect the construction time frame while waiting for Legco approval if it requires funding from the administration.

According to Election Committee lawmaker Andrew Lam Siu-lo, the "rail plus property" model may not be financially viable because the real estate market in Hong Kong is undergoing significant changes.

Easing the concerns, Yau said the "rail plus property" model is still applicable, and authorities would study various strategies provided by the companies.

In terms of line planning, as the proposed tunnel would pass through Lam Tin North, lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu suggested an additional station at Pik Wan Road in Lam Tin to facilitate residents in the vicinity.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com