TAC discusses fare increase applications from franchised bus operators and briefed on latest progress of Universal Accessibility Programme
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (November 29) the fare increase applications from franchised bus operators, and was briefed on the latest progress of the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said that in deliberating on the fare increase applications in respect of three bus franchises, the TAC had considered and balanced a basket of factors under the Fare Adjustment Arrangement for franchised buses. These factors include public acceptability and affordability, the service performance of the bus operators, the past and forecast financial performance of the operators, as well as a supportable fare increase rate computed for reference through a formula taking into account the changes in the Composite Consumer Price Index and the wage index.
Professor Cheung said, "In accordance with the established practice, the TAC will submit its advice to the Government for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council."
Members were also briefed by the Government on the latest progress of the UA Programme. The Government has been striving to create a barrier-free and accessible environment, and launched the UA Programme in August 2012 to proactively retrofit barrier-free access facilities at walkways. The scope of the UA Programme has subsequently been expanded with a view to covering more walkways. A special scheme was launched in 2019 to retrofit lifts at the public walkways of three types of housing estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority, namely estates under the Tenants Purchase Scheme, the Buy or Rent Option Scheme and public rental housing estates with properties divested. As of the end of October 2024, 211 items were completed under the UA Programme, accounting for approximately 60 per cent of all items, while 166 items were under construction.
In order to expedite the implementation of various projects under the UA Programme, the Highways Department (HyD) endeavours to take forward various measures including the continued adoption of modular integrated construction to enhance the speed of construction and stringent monitoring of the performance of contractors. Meanwhile, the HyD has been actively exploring and implementing various enhanced measures to better respond to the needs of the public. Apart from continuously optimising the design of lifts for the convenience of wheelchair users, the HyD will also carry out beautification works for the external walls of the lifts, and adopt new materials and installations to enhance the cleanliness of lifts.
Professor Cheung said, "Members are pleased to see that the Government continues to retrofit barrier-free access facilities at walkways, and at the same time strives to enhance the efficiency on the implementation of projects and incorporate more elements which could bring convenience and benefits to citizens. Members also took note of the latest implementation progress of the items under various phases."
Town Planning Board decides to amend zoning of Global Innovation Centre site in Pok Fu Lam to "Undetermined"
The Town Planning Board (TPB) completed today (November 29) the deliberation on the representations in respect of the draft Pok Fu Lam Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/H10/22. After thorough discussion, the TPB decided to accept the Planning Department (PlanD)'s recommendation to partially meet some of the representations by amending the zoning of the 4.72-hectare site designated for the proposed Global Innovation Centre (the Centre) by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Pok Fu Lam (the Site) from "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Global Innovation Centre" ("OU(Global Innovation Centre)") to "Undetermined" ("U") in the interim, in order to allow the HKU to review and adjust its proposal in response to the views expressed by the representers and to consult relevant stakeholders including the local community before submitting its revised proposal for the Government's consideration.
During deliberation, the TPB thoroughly considered the 3 677 representations and the oral submissions made by about 80 representers and/or their representatives during the three-day hearing in early November, as well as the views and responses of the PlanD and relevant government bureaux/departments (B/Ds) before arriving at its decision.
TPB members acknowledged that most representers supported the development of the Centre by the HKU to consolidate Hong Kong's leading position in deep technology research, while their objections/concerns were mainly related to site selection and hence land use compatibility, development intensity, impacts on traffic, visual, landscape, ecological, environmental, geotechnical, public health and safety aspects, as well as the lack of proper consultation. TPB members also noted that the HKU had committed in its press statement in early October and at the hearing to consulting relevant stakeholders in strategically reviewing and amending its development plan to address their opinions as much as practicable. The HKU would also explore the possibility of identifying alternative sites for the development of the Centre.
To address representers' concerns, TPB members made the following comments and suggestions for the HKU's consideration in reviewing its proposal and taking forward the project:
consider alternative locations in Pok Fu Lam and other places such as the Northern Metropolis.If the HKUconcludes after review that the Centre should be in Pok Fu Lam, the HKU should consider whether the present site or another area, includingbut not limited tothe adjoining undeveloped "Residential (Group C) 6"site, is more suitable forachieving the HKU's objective while minimising impacts on neighbouring communities;
critically review the necessity and floorspace requirements for various components of the Centre, including accommodation and conferencing facilities, and consider optimising the utilisation of the HKU's existing premises/facilities to meet such needs;
enhance the design, including reducing density and bulk, lowering building height and increasing setback from neighbouring buildings;
address traffic concerns and minimise environmental impacts and nuisance on the neighbouring community and residential developments during both construction and operation phases;
minimise tree felling and disturbance to natural habitats, enhance tree compensation and provide more green space;
incorporate additional planning and design merits and facilities thatmight benefit the local community; and
strengthen efforts to engage and consult with stakeholders including the local community.
In particular, in case the HKU decides after review that the Centre should remain in Pok Fu Lam, TPB members considered that the HKU should fully address the impacts of the Centre on students with hearing impairments in Ebenezer. Traffic is another area requiring more efforts from the HKU - not only should the traffic impact of the Centre be properly assessed and improvement measures formulated, but the HKU should also consider advancing the impact study of construction traffic so that the results can be discussed with the local community and refined as appropriate. Last but not least, TPB members emphasised the need for constructive engagement with stakeholders and looked forward to the HKU stepping up communication with them, as it has pledged on various occasions.
In view of the above, the TPB considered it inappropriate to revert the zoning of the Site to "Green Belt", maintain the "OU(Global Innovation Centre)" zoning, or propose other specific zoning before the HKU's submission of a revised proposal. Thus, it was prudent to rezone the Site to "U" in the interim, serving as a stopgap arrangement pending the HKU's completion of the review. Members also noted that there would be adequate planning controls under the "U" zoning, as anyone taking forward development in the "U" zone would require the TPB's approval.
The TPB will exhibit, under section 6C of the Town Planning Ordinance, the proposed amendment of rezoning the Site to "U" on December 13 for public inspection for three weeks, during which any person might make a further representation to the TPB on the proposed amendment. The TPB will consider the further representations, if any, in accordance with the Ordinance before submitting the draft OZP to the Chief Executive in Council for approval within the statutory time limit.
Upon the HKU's completion of the review and engagement with the community on the revised proposal, it will need to submit a revised proposal supported by technical assessments for consideration by relevant B/Ds. Should the revised proposal be accepted by the Government, the PlanD will propose appropriate zoning amendment(s). Subject to the TPB's agreement, the rezoning would then undergo another round of statutory planning procedures in accordance with the Ordinance, during which members of the public would have the opportunity to submit written representations and attend hearings to express their views to the TPB directly.
