PROPOSED “MULTI-MODAL” EFLS

The DFS suggests implementing a “multi-modal” EFLS in KE, which comprises a package of green initiatives that serve complementarily to enhance connectivity in the area. They include:

  1. Enhancing public transport services in KE, and deploying electric vehicles to run new bus / GMB routes in the area;
  2. Developing a travellators network that links up the former runway of Kai Tak, the Kowloon Bay Action Area (KBAA) and the Kwun Tong Action Area (KTAA);
  3. Providing a GreenWay network that runs through promenades and open spaces in the KTD Area for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists;
  4. Constructing an elevated landscaped deck to connect the MTR Kwun Tong Station;
  5. Establishing a “water taxi” service point in the KTD Area.

PROPOSED “MULTI-MODAL” EFLS

  1. Enhancing public transport services in KE, and deploying electric vehicles to run new bus / GMB routes in the area

There is already a diversified, effective and convenient public transport service network in KE. For its gradual development and transformation into another CBD, the Transport Department (TD) is strengthening in a progressive manner public transport services in the area, including the addition of four franchised bus routes and two GMB routes introduced in phases between 2019 and 2028 for connecting KTD, KBAA and KTAA with MTR stations and neighbouring districts, such as Yau Tong, Sau Mau Ping and Diamond Hill, etc. These new public transport services will avoid routing through the highly patronized Kwun Tong Road so as not to adding further traffic to this road. 

The above six new routes will largely cover the areas intended to be served by the elevated mode of EFLS, which are capable of meeting the projected transport demand of people in KE. Among these routes, GMB Route 90A (connecting Yau Lai Estate (MTR Yau Tong Station) and HKCH) and GMB Route 90B (connecting Sau Mau Ping and HKCH) were introduced in March 2019 already, whilst Citybus Route 22M (connecting the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Kowloon City (Prince Edward Road East)) was introduced in mid-February 2020. For the remaining three franchised bus routes, they will be launched progressively from 2023 to 2028 for providing feeder services plying between KBAA, KTAA and MTR Sung Wong Toi Station, express services between KTAA and MTR Diamond Hill Station, and circular services between KBAA and KTD. TD will consult relevant District Council(s) in their annual “Bus Route Planning Programme” on the details of operation of the three franchised bus routes.

The Government will also introduce green and smart transport initiatives, adhering to the vision of shaping KTD into a green community. We plan to gradually introduce from this year onwards the deployment of electric buses / electric public light buses for the above-mentioned six additional routes. Moreover, smart public transport interchanges will be provided at KTAA, KBAA and the Tourism Node site, with the provision of charging facilities to support the deployment of electric buses / electric public light buses, offering better passenger waiting environment and add-on passenger facilities, such as air-conditioned waiting halls with seats, free Wi-Fi service and interactive display panels, etc.

Enhancing public transport services in KE, and deploying electric vehicles to run new bus / GMB routes in the area

  1. Developing a travellators network that links up the former runway of Kai Tak, the Kowloon Bay Action Area (KBAA) and the Kwun Tong Action Area (KTAA)

In addition to the timely construction of road and railway infrastructure facilities to meet the transport needs, and provide people in KE with convenient public transport services, the Government also proposes to develop a travellators network in KE that links up the former Kai Tak runway, KBAA and KTAA for enhancing the overall pedestrian connectivity.

The DFS suggests providing an elevated walkway of about 1.3-kilometre long at Wai Yip Street to link up KBAA and KTAA, providing a convenient pedestrian corridor to enhance the connectivity between the two action areas. The proposed elevated walkway will be equipped with travellators to enhance walking comfort. Provision would be made for direct connection with the developments on the two sides of Wai Yip Street to enhance the flow of pedestrians. Consideration will also be made to provide roof-top garden at suitable locations along the elevated walkway. CEDD plans to commence this year a detailed technical study on the proposed elevated walkway.

Besides, to strengthen the pedestrian connectivity between KBAA and MTR Kowloon Bay Station, the DFS proposes to provide an elevated walkway of about 230-metre long at Sheung Yee Road to connect KBAA and the future footbridge across Wai Yip Street near Siu Yip Street, and further to MTR Kowloon Bay Station. The proposed elevated walkway will be equipped with travellator and will help relieve the over-crowded condition of the existing footbridge across Wai Yip Street near Sheung Yuet Road. CEDD plans to commence this year the investigation and design study of this proposed elevated walkway.

At the same time, the DFS proposes the construction of a 600-metre long pedestrian cum cyclist bridge with travellators across Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter (KTTS) to provide a more direct and convenient linkage between the Kwun Tong promenade and former Kai Tak runway on its both sides. It will also serve a comfortable and convenient walking and cycling environment, as well as facilitate pedestrians to move between the former runway area and MTR Ngau Tau Kok Station via Lai Yip Street. The bridge across KTTS will form an iconic structure with magnificent architectural design to express its prominent location. Nevertheless, being located within Victoria Harbour, the bridge proposal is subject to the control of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531). CEDD plans to commence a technical study this year for gathering the relevant cogent and convincing materials and consulting the public, so as to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.

Developing travellators network linking up the former runway of Kai Tak, the KBAA and the KTAA

  1. Providing a GreenWay network that runs through promenades and open spaces in the KTD Area for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists

The Government proposes to develop a 13-kilometre long GreenWay network in KTD, which will link up various points including Kai Tak Station Square, Kai Tak Sports Park, Kai Tak River, and the promenades along both sides of KTTS. Unlike conventional separated footway and cycle path, the GreenWay mainly adopts a shared-use concept for cyclists and pedestrians to allow better utilization of the open spaces and waterfront area; facilitate integration of cycle tracks into the surrounding environment; enhance connectivity of various open spaces; and improve coherence of open spaces design of KTD as a whole.

CEDD plans to commission a study on the design and implementation of GreenWay in early this year, including the review of relevant design standards, ancillary facilities, modes of management and operation; as well as exploration on the feasibility of adopting smart measures to enhance the daily management and operation of Greenway. The proposed GreenWay will be implemented in two phases through the various open spaces / infrastructure projects or private developments. The first phase of about 7.5 kilometres long is targeted to be completed by 2023, with the remaining phase of about 5.5 kilometres long beyond 2025.

Providing a GreenWay network running through promenades and open spaces in the KTD Area for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists

  1. Constructing an elevated landscaped deck to connect the MTR Kwun Tong Station

The Government is planning to develop a “Government, Institution or Community” site adjacent to the MTR Kwun Tong (KT) Station for composite development, and the Urban Renewal Authority is also implementing its Kwun Tong Town Centre Redevelopment project in close proximity to the MTR station. Upon completion of these projects, there will be a facelift to the centre of Kwun Tong area, with better living environment and new community facilities.

We propose to construct an elevated landscaped deck of about 120 metres in length to link up the above two developments with the MTR KT Station, so as to enhance the connectivity and ease the pedestrian flow in the area, as well as create room for relieving the congestion in the Station during peak hours. CEDD has established the preliminary feasibility of the proposed elevated landscaped deck and will commence within this year the investigation and design study of the proposal.

Constructing an elevated landscaped deck to connect the MTR Kwun Tong Station

  1. Establishing a “water taxi” service point in the KTD Area

Regarding waterborne transport service, there is a ferry route currently plying between “North Point - Kwun Tong - Kai Tak” serving Kwun Tong waterfront and the KTD Area. TD has also granted operation licence in early 2020 for launching the “water taxi” service. The operator is preparing for the “water taxi” service plying Central, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hung Hom and Kai Tak. Subject to the passengers’ demand, the operator may apply for adding “short-distance” route. CEDD will render technical support to set up the “water taxi” service point at the existing landing steps of the Kai Tak Runway Park pier, which helps to enhance the connectivity of KTD with the above-mentioned districts, and provide the public and tourists with more choices of transportation.

Establishing a “water taxi” stand in KTD Area