John Lee says Kai Tak transit system will ‘definitely get done’ once penned in policy address

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu guaranteed on Thursday that three proposed smart and green mass transit systems, including one in the Kai Tak area, will “definitely get done” once penned in his policy address.

Lee announced yesterday that three smart and green mass transit systems will be implemented in areas including East Kowloon, Kai Tak and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen new development areas.

Speaking to lawmakers at the Legco today, the Hong Kong leader said his administration will invite suppliers and operators to submit expressions of interest for the East Kowloon and Kai Tak projects next year to finalize details, including tender conditions.

It is understood that the East Kowloon Line will connect Kwun Tong from Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat and Ma Yau Tong to Yau Tong East to facilitate access to Choi Hung and Yau Tong stations, improving the overall transportation of East Kowloon and unleashing development potential.

DAB lawmaker Frankie Ngan Man-yu raised concerns that no timeline has been given for the construction of the transit systems, adding that people could be waiting for a lengthy period of time for the government to “look into the plan”.

He was referring to the proposal for a monorail connecting Kai Tak, Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay, which was scrapped in 2020 after authorities researched for nearly a decade, citing cost concerns and building difficulties.

In response, Lee said the East Kowloon Line and the Kai Tak project will be prioritized in view of the urgent need to resolve transportation matters in the two areas. He also said authorities are open to discussion for the actual route the transit system will go through.