10-minute Kai Tak transit taking shape

Stacy Shi

A 3.5-kilometer elevated smart mass transit system in Kai Tak is being studied, which would enable a 10-minute journey from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Kai Tak MTR station.

The proposed five-stop system will operate above Shing Fung Road and not be affected by the traffic situation on the ground, according to the Civil Engineering and Development Department.

The other three stops will be set up near the residential belt in the former runway area, the Metro Park and Kai Tak Sports Park, which houses a 50,000-seat stadium.

Careful consideration will be given to the location of the stations and the arrangement of station feeder facilities, the department said. "Considering the infrastructure construction and the overall capacity, it is expected that the system would be a cost-effective option with relatively simple power support systems as overhead cables are not necessary," it added.

The government had also thought of connecting the system to Kowloon East, but considered the move unsustainable due to the high cost of construction and operation in the densely developed area.

The proposal will be discussed in tomorrow's district council meeting.

This followed Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's decision to commence preparatory work announced in the policy address last year.

The department said it has reviewed the necessary procedures and actively commenced preparatory work. It also invited tenders last month for the appointment of consultants to conduct investigation studies.

Officials plan to seek letters of intent from potential suppliers and operators in the second half of the year, aiming to finalize the specific requirements and design of the system.

Financial arrangements, operating requirements and a regulatory framework will be drawn up simultaneously, aiming to launch a tendering exercise for the project in 2026 and approve construction contracts in 2027.

Meanwhile, Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu suggested to the government that they connect the system with Kwun Tong and Choi Hung MTR stations, tying it in with the Choi Hung Estate and Cha Kwo Ling redevelopment projects and the revitalization of the Kwun Tong waterfront.

"I hope the government will be more forward-looking in the planning to smoothen the transportation, such as connecting both ends of the system to the MTR," he said, adding it could help ferry passengers and visitors during large-scale events.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com