August 29, 2022
The Chief Executive announced the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy last October, putting forward plans to implement land development projects in the Northern Metropolis. Together with the future layout planning of the New Territories West announced earlier, Yuen Long Hung Shui Kiu, Tuen Mun and Lantau Island would become key development areas in Hong Kong in the future. As there were limitations on sites available for development, the DAB believed that the transport network has to increase its carrying capacity and the benefits of development while being in line with the principle of sustainable development, in addition to well planning, convenience and accessibility.
We then followed up the aforesaid situation and proposed ten recommendations in five areas, including new roads planning, new railway planning, infrastructure facilities for new development areas, and reliable and convenient transportation service for residents in the New Territories Northwest.
Build a new backbone for new development areas
Build a "New North-South Route" (tentatively named Route 12) to divert traffic flow from Tolo Highway
Build a "Northern Express Route" (tentatively named Route 13) to connect the east and west of the northern area
Build more side roads to enhance the diversion effect of Route 11
Improve the railway network to strengthen regional connection in the New Territories
Build a "Tsuen Wan-Kwai Tsing -Sha Tin Central Railway" to form a circular railway network in the central part of the New Territories
Build a "New North-South Railway" to divert passengers from the East Rail Line
Expand the coverage of planned railway project to better meet the needs of the future development of the Northern Metropolis
Introduce the "corridor + property development" model for infrastructure development
Plan infrastructure-driven projects to build up a new town with a circular route
Build park-and-ride facilities and utilize its superstructures under the "single site, multiple use" model
Leverage diversification of operations to provide transportation service for new development areas
Introduce a "contract model" with government backing
Introduce a new mass transit system to match with the development of environmentally friendly and green public transport
Conduct studies on efficient and environmentally friendly public transport