Opinion | Focusing on long-term development of Southern District by improving transportation system
The Transport and Housing Bureau recently submitted documents to the Legislative Council (LegCo) confirming the promotion of the South Island Line (West Section) using green transportation systems such as "SkyShuttle" and "Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit." Detailed studies are set to commence next year, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
Some LegCo members anticipate the project to be completed within 5 years, with the earliest possible opening for traffic between 2032 and 2034. The implementation of this new plan reflects the government's proactive approach, with expectations from various sectors for the project to be expedited while incorporating the needs of sustainable development in the Southern District, including tourism and other complementary planning.
To address the traffic congestion from the south to the west of Hong Kong Island, the government proposed the construction of the South Island Line West in the "Railway Development Strategy 2014". Originally, plans involved using the same heavy rail system as the South Island Line (East Section). However, despite the opening of the East Section at the end of 2016, progress on the West segment has been stagnant due to the complex geographical environment and the need to overcome technical challenges. This delay has also sparked debates on the philosophy of railway development — whether to wait for the completion of the Wah Fu Estate relocation and the overall population growth in the Southern District before constructing the railway, or to first build the railway and develop other supporting infrastructure to attract more residents, workers, and tourists to the Southern District.The question of whether to construct heavy rail or introduce a green transportation system like light rail with a higher cost-effectiveness ratio has been under scrutiny.
During this period, Southern District residents, district councils, and interest groups have been advocating for the government to make a firm decision on building the railway. Ta Kung Pao has been actively promoting these development plans, featuring numerous special reports and hosting seminars with expert opinions and recommendations. The prevailing view suggests that the government's railway construction should not only meet the transportation needs of the existing 130,000 residents but also make forward-looking plans for the long-term development of the Southern District. Furthermore, transforming Aberdeen Fish Market into a new landmark in the Southern District and developing sea-based tourism should also have specific proposals.
The development of the Southern District has been a continuous concern for the government. The 2020 Policy Address introduced the "Vibrant South Island" initiative, aiming to transform the Southern District into a vibrant, attractive, and dynamic area suitable for work, living, creativity, and leisure activities. The Development Bureau established the "Vibrant South Island Office" in the following year to advance related planning.
The recently unveiled development plan for the South Island Line West is not only the result of a decade of research by the transportation department but also a reflection of the government's commitment to listen to and value public opinion. According to the documents, the South Island Line (West Section) spans 7.5 kilometers, connecting Wong Chuk Hang and HKU Station, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes. It includes several stations such as Aberdeen, Tin Wan, Wah Fu, Cyberport, and Queen Mary Hospital. Abandoning the heavy rail proposal, the plan opts for a green transportation system similar to"SkyShuttle" and "Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit," resembling the railway transport systems set for development in East Kowloon and Hung Hom Bridge areas.
The project is set to commence in 2027, with no disclosed completion timetable, indicating that there are still some detailed issues requiring further study. Southern District residents welcome the plan, hoping for an early completion and opening for traffic. Suggestions include utilizing completed sections as they are finished rather than waiting for the entire project to be completed before opening. Importantly, when the government constructs the railway, it should consider the broader issues of development in the entire Southern District, including studying how to further activate Aberdeen Fish Market and improve tourism facilities. With its long coastline, bays, proximity to Ocean Park, Lamma Island, and the tech hub at Cyberport, the Southern District has many attractions that can be collectively planned and developed to rejuvenate the aging district, showcasing its vitality.
Transport infrastructure is a prerequisite for regional development. As the government advances the West Section, it must consider Southern District development comprehensively and strategically, examining it from a holistic perspective that involves the collaboration of multiple departments. Establishing a cross-departmental task force to coordinate and drive the entire development plan is necessary.
The Southern District, one of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong, has comparatively lagged in its development, with transportation inconvenience being a major bottleneck. The residents of the Southern District have an urgent desire for development, and the government and relevant departments must give it more attention. The detailed study of the plan that is about to commence presents a great opportunity for optimizing the solution and collaborative efforts toward this goal.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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