Lawmakers are urging the government to enhance water transport options in Kowloon East for the benefit of residents in the area. During a Legco subcommittee meeting focusing on the region’s transportation facilities, legislators suggested the introduction of dedicated water taxi services to cater to the needs of Kowloon East residents.
Currently, the water taxi service in Hong Kong primarily operates as a sightseeing route along Victoria Harbour, with stops at popular tourist destinations like Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Central. Legislator Yang Wing-kit emphasized the potential appeal of connecting Kowloon East and eastern Hong Kong Island through water taxis, especially for daily commuters.
In response to these suggestions, undersecretary for transport and logistics Liu Chun-san expressed the government’s willingness to consider inviting tenders for a water taxi service specifically designed for local residents. However, Liu highlighted a lack of interest from operators due to their anticipation of low demand for such services.
Tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu urged the government to take the initiative in enhancing supporting infrastructure to make sea transport a more viable option in Kowloon East. Drawing a comparison to Venice, where water transport is prevalent due to the abundance of piers and berthing points, Yiu questioned the availability of such facilities in Kowloon East. Liu acknowledged the importance of reviewing harbour protection laws before potentially constructing additional berthing points.
In a related concern, DAB’s Ngan Man-yu raised worries about insufficient parking spaces for special coaches to disperse crowds following major events at the upcoming Kai Tak Sports Park. Liu reassured that a nearby park has been designated as a temporary parking lot to address this issue.
The Kai Tak Sports Park is scheduled to open in March next year, featuring a 50,000-seat main stadium and hosting various events, including a concert by British band Coldplay and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. The development of adequate transportation options and supporting infrastructure in Kowloon East is crucial to ensuring seamless connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.