Initial response by TD to comments from pokfulam residents re public transport changes upon commissioning of WIL and SIL (6 November 2013)

Addendum 1 - Pokfulam Community Queries and comments on the proposed changes of buses and GMBs upon commissioning of WIL and SIL(East)
(As 6 November 2013)
Item Queries and comments from Pokfulam Residents
My comments are :
1

2

3

Initial response by Transport Department
Thank you for your views on franchised bus and GMB services under the
West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re1. Can more buses for 59 to Wong Chuk Hang from Kennedy Town.
organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on the
preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
2. Cancellation of M47 means there will be no bus running along Victoria Road to Central, ie. concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
except 971, no more buses at all along Victoria Road.
and will consider them together with all other comments received.
I'd like to see additional transport on Mt Davis Rd, especially during lunch and afternoon rush
hours. It is impossible to get a seat on the 54 GMB. Even walking down to Victoria Rd doesn't Your concerns about the service level of existing GMB routes operating
ensure any seats as the 58 and 59 GMBs are also full. The 5 bus is another option but is not the along Mount Davis Road and Victoria Road are noted. Please be advised
most favored option given its limited schedule. I don't know what sort if impact the new MTR that this Department is looking into the matters and will reply you.
Stn will have on demand, but just wanted to voice my concerns.
I recently moved to Victoria Garden from the Government Quarters at 122 Pok Fu Lam Rd.
The bus options we have on Vic. Rd are dismal. The green mini bus that goes up Consort
Rise is often full and it's a 20 min wait between buses. I've often watched two go by full and Thank you for your views on the proposed cancellation of CTB route M47
had to continue waiting. The M47 is a safer bet because the big buses can always squeeze more under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport
passengers on, however the waiting time and travel time are very long. Usually it takes me one Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on
hour to get to Central on this bus, which includes the waiting time at the bus stop and then the the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
travel time on the bus. Not acceptable in my opinion when we are so close to Central and when concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
there are so many more bus options further up on Pok Fu Lam Rd.
If the M47 is cut, then what are our options here at Victoria Rd?

4

Minibuses should perform a role of feeding residents from all over Pokfulam to MTR stations
with a vision to reduce driving and encourage using public transport. Instead of cancelling
M47, this should be a key route to transfer residents of Wah Fu to say Kennedy Town MTR.
Assuming that we should use MTR more, long range minibus route 'can be trimmed down'
(like 28) while feeder routes should be increased (e.g. 8).

West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Reorganisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on the
concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record

We are in upper Baguio Villa and we strongly object to the proposal to discontinue the M47
bus service. This service is heavily used by upper BV residents, not only to connect with the
MTR but also as a reliable service to and from Central (far superior to GMB 8 and 28) and for
5 helpers travelling to and from the markets at Kennedy Town and Wah Fu, since it has a much
greater capacity than the GMD 58/59 services. It will also cause great inconvenience to senior
citizens who will have to find their way to Cyberport to connect with the MTR. This must not
be allowed to happen.

Thank you for your views on the proposed cancellation of CTB route M47
under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport
Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on
the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with

I am shocked to learn of the proposed cancellation of M47 bus. We at Scenic Villas have been
bothered by public transport issues for years and this proposal is another bomb shell for us.

6

Looking at the 'Annex 3' document, all re-arrangements etc. are focused on upper Pokfulam
and Pokfulam Road. Lower Pokfulam, i.e. along Victoria Rd, did not seem to be a concern of
our transport planners. We rely on M47 and 971 for our daily public transport needs, but if
M47 is cancelled and 971 is cut back (with a 'Vehicle Change' of -1), how can people between Thank you for your views on franchised bus and GMB services under the
Sassoon Rd and Mt Davis go out except with services of our sole mini-bus operator.
The proposed minibus feeder service between Kennedy Town and Cyberport will only travel
along Sandy Bay Rd and will not support the needs of residents along Victoria Road between concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
the Cemetery and Baguio.
I hope the transport planners can think deeper so there is still a regular bus service along
Victoria Rd. If they have done some real survey, they will find that many users of M47 are
senior citizens plying between Wah Fu, Kennedy Town and as far as Sheung Wan. The
proposal will be doing a dis-service to these people in need. If M47 has to cut back, why not
divert bus 43 to Victoria Road?

We are of the following opinion:
1. M47 should not be cancelled
2.To be more cost effective for this bus route, in addition to serving only Sandy Bay and
Cyberport, 58X should route to Victoria Road so as to serve the areas of HKU staff quarters,
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Bisney Bay residents, HKU medical college, residents at Sassoon Road/Victoria Road
Junction, Lower and Upper Baguio Villas before going to Cyberport.


Please pass our suggestions to the Transport Department.

8

9

Thank you for your comments on the proposed new section fare of GMB
routes 8 and 28 from Baguio Villa to HKU Station under the West Island
Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re-organisation Plans.
The fare for 28 and 8 from Caine Road to BV is currently about 5.5. The proposal from BV to
This Department is now soliciting public views on the preliminary plans and
HKU is 7. Isn't it a bit steep?
considering the suggestions we have received with concerned public
transport operators. We have put your views in our record and will consider
them together with all other comments received.
Thank you for your views on the proposed frequency reduction of GMB
It is not sensible for me to travel to the Kennedy Town MTR station to work when the west
routes 69 and 69X under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East)
island line is completed in 2015 because it is the longest route and it will take longer time
Public Transport Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting
disregarding the more expensive fare. I think this will not be a preferred route for Bel-Air
public views on the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we
residents to work in the eastern district (e.g. Quarry Bay and Taikoo Shing) as well but may be
have received with concerned public transport operators. We have put your
for residents working in Central. Therefore, reduction in frequency for GMB 69 and 69X is not
views in our record and will consider them together with all other comments
recommended.
received.

I assume the reasons for cancelling the M47 are based on pressure from mini bus operators to
enable them to have a monopoly of south side travel between e.g. Wah Fu & Kennedy town.
At the moment the M47 is extensively used by the elderly.. taking advantage of the elderly
concession rates to travel to the grave sites & Kennedy town & then Central. By eliminating
10 the M47 the elderly will either not be able to afford to travel or be forced to pay the higher
minibus ticket price, reducing their standard of living. The M47 is way more comfortable
method of travel & generally these New bis & City bus have better safety records. The M447 is
frequently... depending on the time of travel.... very full. I can see no valid reason for scrapping
this very useful & much used route


Thank you for your suggestion of public transport services on Victoria Road
what about the residents on Victoria rd, eg Rodrigues ct and bisney rd? They will need a direct
and Sandy Bay under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East)
service from that rd. having a pokfulam rd minibus as a back up service to the sandy bay route
Public Transport Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting
would be terrific.
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public views on the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we
It's great that the MTR will be open soon but please convey to govt that a reliable ands painless
way to get there is required.
received.
I object to the cancellation of M47 for the following reasons:
1.

The green bus does not allow passenger with disabilities.

2. There are no green bus nor big bus covering the section between Island School and Shan Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on
12
Wan Drive on Victoria Road, which caters for the residents of Bisney Road, Consort Rise and the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
Crown Terrace.
3. I think there should at least be one big bus running from Kennedy Town MTR station to
Wah Fu.

Kindly note that the proposed MTR feeder do not benefit Residents of Residence Bel-Air, since
the MTR stations at Wongchuhang is not a popular route and the MTR Kenedy Town Station is
not a direct means to Central CBD. No. 73 have more capacity therefore it will help some
people.
West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport ReThe other minibus run by AMS only pass by Residence Bel Air and are normally full during
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rush hours. Its management is terrible, with his back facing the passengers, e.g. at Aberdeen preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
No. 58 with the longest line of passengers waiting for the bus even during non rush hour. The concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
seats of each minibus is limited. No. 69A is non existing during some hours of the day. The and will consider them together with all other comments received.
feeder plan for Residence Bel-Air is non existing.
Therefore the existing 30X and Bel-Air Shuttle Bus must not be replaced in future.
I would personally love more buses to go up and down Mount Davis Road.
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Twice in the past week I have waited over 30 mins for a bus as 6 went past completely full.

Your concerns about the service level of existing bus/ GMB routes operating
along Mount Davis Road are noted. Please be advised that this Department
is looking into the matters and will reply you.



I am oppose of cancelling on the route of bus services M47, as i am the resident in Scenic
Villas and my parents are using the M47 bus services daily from Wanchai to Scenic Villas.
If the M47 is cancelled in the future, there will be no bus services pass along the Victoria Road
except bus service #971 (but 971 is going to Kowloon side); as M47 is the cheaper option for
us to access in HK Island area.
As the bus services M47 is more reliable than the minibus 58, 59 or 58A. Due to Scenic Villas
West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Reis the middle stop between Aberdeen and Kennedy Town, during the morning rush office and
15 afternoon after 3.30pm which require to wait for serveral bus (which maybe more than 20preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
30mins) to get on the minibus.
For the suggestion on 58X, as we do not know the frequency of this minibus services, but as
per the past experience of the circular routes bus services (like 10X) always provide very poor
service due to irregular time of the bus to cause difficult to catch and use this bus services.
Also, as the bus M47 can provide the lower platform bus for the disabililty people to reach
Sandy Bay or Victoria Road, and the minibus can never meet these people requirement.



A mere rearrangement of minibus routes will not provide us with the added capacity needed for
all those people who will change from driving their cars to catching a bus to Kennedy Town or
Wong Chuk Hang to interchange with MTR services. Or is TD trying to punish Victoria
Road/Sandy Bay residents for being too outspoken about various issues relating to transport in
our area over the last two years?
I am flabbergasted to learn that the M47 will be cancelled. It is the ONLY bus that links
Victoria Road/Sandy Bay with Central and it is used heavily by students of WIS at school
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times between Wah Fu and Sandy Bay. Will there be a new bus to replace this service? Why
not re-route it from Kennedy Town to Wah Fu so that we preserve the valuable service along
Victoria Road? While I can understand that many people will want to go straight to Kennedy
Town or HKU station and catch the MTR into town, what happens with the rest of the route
that is cancelled? Does TD expect us to walk? Will they improve the road crossings in
Victoria Road to make this possible? TD need to put on their thinking caps again and come up
with better solutions to our transport problems in Sandy Bay. Of course, cancellation of M47
will mean less congestion at the cemetery during grave-sweeping festivals!


Thank you for your proposed feeder service from Consort Rise and Sassoon
Road to the future MTR stations. This Department is now soliciting public
views on the West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public
The whole area from the bottom of Consort Rise to Sassoon Road should have a transport link
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Transport Re-organisation Plans and considering the suggestions we have
to the MTR.
received with concerned public transport operators. We have put your views
in our record and will consider them together with all other comments
received.

I propose not to cancel bus M47, as it is the life line for many people living along Victoria
Road and its environs to go directly to Central. If it is abolished, it will be pretty cumbersome
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to have to change from train to bus at Kennedy MTR station. It may not be reasonable to have
so limited direct public transport service between Pokfulam and the heart of Hong Kong.


Thank you for your suggestion of the feeder services from Pokfulam areas to
the future MTR Kennedy Town Station and Wong Chuk Hang Station. This
We need a regular feeder service from key Pokfulam areas to MTR stations in Kennedy Town Department is now soliciting public views on the West Island Line and
19 and Wok Chuk Hang so we can all benefit from new MTR lines. Also, would like to see
South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re-organisation Plans and
improved direct service to Repulse Bay and the Peak.

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I live in the area and commute to work via M47. If M47 and other similar bus routes were to
be cancelled it will severely cause inconvenience to us and other neighbours in the region.


with the new subway stations being not completed with the connection through Cyberport to
form the loop. Therefore we should not terminate these bus routes. The mini bus capacity is a Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on
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challenge during rush hours so M47 serves as an important transportation for a lot of people to the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have received with
get to HKU and Central.

While MTR is a great service, I cannot see how my particular stretch of road is now being
serviced. We are not in Wah Fu, and from the TD paper, it seems there is no connection to
Kennedy Town along Victoria Road.


Did you ask any of them to take public transport at 8am or 6.30pm to any of the locations they Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public views on
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are talking about ?
A map of the transport routes might be helpful. But could they explain why they would cancel and will consider them together with all other comments received.
the ONLY bus route along victoria road to Central ? Isnt MTR supposed to have some
competition from buses ?
M47 is the only bus route travelling between Wah Fu and Kennedy Town/Sai Wan via Victoria
Road. It is a popular bus route for students of West Island School and the schools in Wah Fu.
There are also many housewives from Baguio travelling to the wet markets of Kenndy Town
for groceries. During weekends, it is not hard to find lots of Filipino maids taking M47 to
central and elderly residents (including baguio, wah fu and Kennedy Town) who take
advantage of the $2 weekend fare concession scheme (fare of minibus 28 is $9). M47 is also
the only means of transport from central to Baguio after 11pm. You will definitely know that West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Rethere is signifcant demand for M47 if you take the bus.
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You suggest that Baguio residents should take the minibus to Hku and interchange for MTR to concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
Central. The fare would be more expensive even with your proposed section fare of $7.
Passengers would rather stay on the minibus rather than take the hassle of interchange which
requires ~10 mins walk at HKU station. Minibuses 8 and 28 routes are already overburdened
during peak hours. However, the transport dept proposes the reduction of the minibus
frequency in the consultation document. Cancelling M47 does not solve the problem at all and
causes a lot of inconvenience instead.

I am a Bel-Air reseident and have questions regarding the new minibus No. 58. Will the bus
route cover Phases 4 and 6 of Bel-Air, ie. will it pass by Bel-air on the Peak Island South? If
not, how can the connecting minibus service or the new MTR route benefit the residents in BelAir, especailly those living in Phases 4 & 6?
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In addition, Bel-Air residents are in a great need of the express minbus service, especially
during the rush hours, from Bel-Air to Central since Bus No. 30X's frequency is so low that we
always have to wait for 20-30 minutes for the bus. It is simply not acceptable for a busy city
like HK. I believe more than half of the Bel-Air residents do not drive, especially during
working days.


Your concerns about the service level of existing bus/ GMB routes serving
Bel-Air are noted. Please be advised that this Department is looking into the
matters and will reply you.

Thank you for your concerns about the public transport link from Bisney
Road to the future West Island Line stations. This Department is now
We are living in Bisney Road and I know that there is a distance from here to the nearest west soliciting public views on the West Island Line and South Island Line (East)
25 line exits. will there be any mini buses or any other public transport we can use to get to the Public Transport Re-organisation Plans and considering the suggestions we
westline mtr exit ?
received.

I am living in Baguio. My daughter studies in St. Clare School. My boys study in Aberdeen.
Without M47, what other public transportation could be taken ? There would be no convenient
public transportation to Kennedy Town and Aberdeen. M47 is the ONLY public transportation
other than mini bus.


I would suggest the followings
1.
Extend M47 from Wah Fu to Aberdeen, then more passengers could be taken means
more revenue for the bus company. And / or 47 go to Kennedy Town MTRC only. The bus
company could cancel one bus line from Aberdeen to Central, still there are many other
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alternative transportation means.
2.
Re-route 30X from Cyberport to Victoria Road to Kennedy Town to Central. Why
Cyberport has 970 and 970X, 2 bus lines ? Why Cyberport has 30X, Victoria Road has no bus
? This would be outrages to Victoria Road.

Thank you for your suggestions of franchised bus services in Pokfulam area.
This Department is now soliciting public views on the West Island Line and
South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re-organisation Plans and

3.
If M47 would be cancelled, extend no. 5C from Mt. Davis to Wah Fu or Cyberport,
via Victoria Road
Without a substitute bus route, M47 cannot be cancelled.

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Please also note that the daily operating time for 69A is very short (up to 5:xx pm) and it will
not cope with "after-office" demand when the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station is complete.

Thank you for your views on the operating hours of GMB route 69A after
its proposed extension to Wong Chuk Hang Station under the West Island

I hope to bring to your attention to the devastating impact of cancelling bus route M47 on
residents from Victoria Road and Wah Fu North Estate residents.


As a frequent passenger of M47, Bus Route M47 has always been a popular route from Wah
Fu to Central, with many residents from Victoria Road using this bus route to travel to the
Western District to purchase daily goods. Despite Bus M47 having a high headway of around
20 minutes minimum and a fleet of 6 buses, the residents of the region have little choice.
Although, mini buses such as Bus 59 and 58A would also run a similar route, these mini buses
fail to replicate the larger carrying capacities of the M47 buses, secondly, the majority of the
passengers on the M47 bus route are elderly aged 65 or above thus they would enjoy a half
price discount, which mini buses does not offer. In addition, mini buses route 58A and 59 are
costly compared to M47 ($5.9 for Mini Bus 58A and 59, $5.10 for Bus Route M47) and they
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also have a much shorter route. Furthermore, the cancellation of M47 is against human rights
and forbidding disabilities and elderly to enjoy the equal rights of using bus service. This is due
a large population of elderly on wheel chairs from Wah Fu would use this bus service to travel
to the Western to buy daily goods. M47 buses have wheelchair transport services ,therefore this
has been made possible. Similarly, in the Sha Wan Drive Maclehose rehabilitation centre,
disabled passengers could also use the M47 to travel to the Western District without the use of
the smaller mini buses.
Another bus route suggested as an alternative is Bus 971. Bus 971, also travels the same route
however it costs $6.50 to travel from the Western District to Victoria Road. The higher price
brings extra financial burden to those that lives in that region.
I strongly suggest that the M47 should not be cancelled and should instead increase the


強烈反對取消巴士 M47. 此巴士線在薄扶林域多利道經過兩間學校 (一間中學,
一間小學) 及公眾墳場. 是很多居民出港島市區的主要交通工具. 若只靠小巴,
根本就不能滿足居民的需求. 建議運輸署官員實地乘坐M47,
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即可知道此巴士的真實人流. 繁忙時段通常都是巴士都擠滿人, 非繁忙時段,
座位也是滿座. 短期內薄扶林沒有地鐵, 不能將唯一一條出港島市區的巴士線取消.
請您為居民極力爭取保留M47.
In my opinion, there should be new extensions of existing routes in light of the additional
capacity driven by the commissioning of new rail lines. Extensions should be stressed upon the
disconnected termini of the western and southern lines. The disconnected western district up to
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cyberport, and all the way to Aberdeen and Apleichau will suffer from new traffics volume but
little help in current routes to transit commuters. Bus companies always focus on profitability
but lack a vision on change in commute pattern brought by the lines.
I am very angry that I found the proposed changes completely ignored the transportation needs
of the residents on Victoria Road.
I am a resident of Upper Baguio Villa, my son goes to West Island School, he takes M47 bus
to and from school every day.

謝謝你對為配合西港島線及南港島線(東段)通車的公共交通服務重
組計劃內擬議取消城巴第M47號提出的意見。我們現正就初步的計
劃諮詢公眾意見及與公共交通營辦商考慮有關建議。我們已備悉你
的意見，並會與其他意見一併考慮。
Thank you for your views on franchised bus services under the West Island

Thank you for your comments on the existing service level of GMB route
59 and the proposed new bus service linking between the future stations of
At present, it is the fact that frequency of #59 min bus is extremely limited, and the min bus
West Island Line and South Island Line (East). This Department is now
are always full at peak hours at both stops of Baguio Villa and West Island school.
soliciting public views on the West Island Line and South Island Line (East)
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Public Transport Re-organisation Plans and considering the suggestions we
My housemaid experienced hours of waiting time for a #59 to and from Baguio and Aberdeen have received with concerned public transport operators. We have put your
for her shopping need.
received.
Please kindly voice out our transportation needs on Victoria Road.
We need a new circular bus to connect both West and South MTR ends that run on Victoria
Road.


Thank you for your views on the proposed new GMB feeder route 58M
As residents of Upper Baguio, I venture to propose 58X - New service between Kennedy Town
32 Station and Cyberport via Sandy Bay Road as a circular route as being "Kennedy Town -->
Sandy Bay Road -->Cyberport --> Victoria Road Baguio Villa -->Kennedy Town Station.
1.
The possible bus interchange between services on Pokfulam Road and Hong Kong
University Station seems to be totally discounted. (I appreciate that this is probably a more
convenient interchange in the NB direction than the SB.) Why?? I appreciate that passengers
will find which is the more convenient route / quickest and adjust travel patterns accordingly.
2.
If KET is to be the key station for interchange for the Southern District the service needs
to be frequent. What is the point of saving 10 minutes by travelling via MTR as opposed to by
bus and then having to wait 10 minutes for the first bus? (Hong Kong travellers do not like
interchanging and prefer to take the one mode even if takes a little longer.) Hence the
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proposed 43M needs to run every 5-8 minutes (not 12-15). Travelling from Tin Wan via Wah
Fu adds to travel time and hence it is not likely to be use by Tin Wan travellers who will prefer
not to spend time on a diversion via Wah Fu.
3.
Routing the CTB 7 bus via Wah Fu is likewise an unwise move and will increase travel
time especially for those on journeys not served by an MTR feeder service (for example
Pokfulam Road Play ground to Aberdeen). The NWFB 4 should be retained and not cancelled
(possibly rerouted via the Central Ferry Piers - see 7 below). The NWFB 4X does not serve a
number of intermediate stops and hence amalgamating the NWFB 4 with it deprives those only



34

Being a resident of the Residence Bel-Air, we have already been suffering from high
transportation fare and lack of public transportation. After having briefly go through the TD's
proposal, we can only see a further decrease in the quality of public transport available to the
people living here in Residence Bel-Air.


Your concerns about the service level of GMB route 58 are noted. Please be
advised that this Department is looking into the matters and will reply you.

For GMB 58, you will be very lucky if your family or friends (having three or more members)
could board the minibus together outside Phase 4 or 6 of Residence Bel-Air. Thank you for
your attention.

I wish the District Council will take care of the needs of residents at Baguio Villa which are
discriminating by the Transport Department comparing to Cyberport. We do not understand
35
why the residents at Cyberport, Chi Fu, buildings along Pok Fu Lam etc. can enjoy better
public services.

Thank you for your concerns about the public transport services for Baguio
Villa. This Department is now soliciting public views on the West Island
Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re-organisation Plans
and considering the suggestions we have received with concerned public

Don’t they know the buses fill up every morning from Wah Fu? And coming back from
Central too?

Thank you for your concerns about the existing service level of CTB route
M47. This Department is now soliciting public views on the West Island
Line and South Island Line (East) Public Transport Re-organisation Plans
and considering the suggestions we have received with concerned public

We are living at Bel-Air of Cyberport. The Proposal seems totally neglecting Bel-Air
Residence. Bel-Air Residence Committee had proposed to extend one of the bus lines from
Wah Fu to Cyberport or extending the opening hours of 30X after 9 pm. Nothing has been
37
accepted or done from the Transportation Department. From the proposal, bus 970: minus 4
trips, mini bus 69 and 69X minus 2 and 1 trips respectively. Greatly appreciate it if you could
help to achieve better transportation benefit for Bel-Air residence.

Thank you for your views on franchised bus and GMB services for Bel-Air

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謝謝你對為配合西港島線及南港島線(東段)通車的公共交通服務重
我極度强烈反对M47路线取消，因为我们好多住在西环的街坊，在域多利道沿线上組計劃內擬議取消城巴第M47號提出的意見。我們現正就初步的計
班及上学。
劃諮詢公眾意見及與公共交通營辦商考慮有關建議。我們已備悉你
所以條M47路线只可以重組，但不可以取消。
的意見，並會與其他意見一併考慮。

We strongly disagree to stop M47 as those go to work or class along Victoria road rely on this
one. They can reschedule it but cannot cancel it. As the mini bus cannot support it even
increase the frequency. Mini bus tends to wait all the passengers fill the bus and go. So other
people along Victoria road cannot get on it even on non-rush hours, M47 is definitely need to
38 keep. I know the student at the West Island also have strong objection on this.

1. The public (actually private, as its privately owned/run by only a few) light bus system has
always been a secondary choice where the big bus companies are unable (or rather unwilling)
to cover. In this bus company/government proposed plan, it absurdly plans to strengthen the
coverage. So its only a matter of redistributing the business plan, and not rerouting in light of
the future commissioning of MTR, and definitely not in favour of the residents.
2. More specifically, the proposed move of light bus terminus (no.58/59) to the new MTR
station is a joke. That is quite a walk in the hot summer day for 15 minutes. The planned new
39 terminus is actually on the current route, meaning it doesn't have to congest the MTR station
surrounding by adding a ew terminus.
3. Cancellation of the "M" routes with a label of overlapping is another joke. M routes are
added because the current route cannot sufficiently serve the volume of peak hour commuters,
secondly those are more profitable because the routes are more restrictive (e.g. less stops,
shorter journey, limited hours, but same fare). Its not overlap, but an addon as the original route
plan is not serving its purpose! So combining is not the correct focus, the focus should be to
strengthen the original route.



I consider that the no. M47 can not be cancelled, as there is no other replacement for that
40 route. For the Bus no. 5x, It would be a blessing, if an additional stop can be arranged near the
outlying Island piers for those who need to use.
Residents of the Baguio Villa (BV), many of my neighbours and we share the long-standing
indignation arising from the significant reduction in the provision of public transport servicing
the section of Victoria Road sandwiched by the upper and lower estates, since the
establishment of the Cyberport. In mid-2007 we referred our discontent to the relevant
authorities who employed the usual stalling tactics. The issue eventually drowned in
bureaucracy.
The proposed depletion of the service level will deal a further blow to the current transport
deficiency respecting BV. The downsizing of the GMB 8 and 28 fleets, coupled with the
41 abolition of bus route 47M, will no doubt aggravate the problem. Scores of commuters here
without the privilege of going to work in personalized transport, cars or taxis, will inevitably
suffer. Of particular concern are the aged individuals and schoolchildren who rely heavily on
public transport. The estate management staff are no exception.
It is only reasonable, equitable and pragmatic that our grievances be put into perspective when
revising the public transport regime following the commissioning of the new west MTR line.
In the long run, extension of the mass transit system to Pokfulam may hold the key to efficient
and dependable transport for the residents. Conceivably, this is a controversial subject


I use the 69X to take me to Causeway Bay but return on the 28 as it drops me at Baguio. Also
use the 8 to and from BV to Exchange Square. Sometimes all three buses, like yesterday - am
to CWB on 69X back after lunch on 28 then out to FCC on the 8 and back from Ex. Sq also on Thank you for your views on franchised bus and GMB services under the
the 8. The 8x is also a great bus.
42
We also use the 69 to Quarry Bay. Very useful for Louisa who has to visit elderly parents at
Kornhill and it saves her from driving. The M47 is a great deliverer to & from BV to Sheung concerned public transport operators. We have put your views in our record
Wan. I am a fan of the buses. For example I always go to Central from CWB on the No. 10, its and will consider them together with all other comments received.
so much quicker and more comfortable than the MTR. Thats not Baguio I know but only use
the MTR for the long haul stuff !!!
The proposed changes to reduce transport coverage for us are unacceptable. The phasing out of
CTB M47 is bound to create great problem for commuters to Kennedy Town along Victoria
Road. For seniors like us, right now our fare is HK$2. We seek to maintain affordable fares
for us going to Kennedy Town for our daily suppliers.
We respectfully urge you to voice out to TD :
1. allocate part of the extended services of 4X, 7, 71, 70, 43M etc. to cover Victoria Road as
these routes fare are more affordable.
43

2. the new GMB plying service between Cyberport and Kennedy Town station to enroute
Victoria Road before reaching the ending terminus at each end.
3. the new routes of GMB 8 and GMB 28 from Baguio to HKU station only ply along
Pokfulam Road, and unfortunately it costs HK$7 (beyond our affordability). Let's see that
route GMB 59 from KET to Aberdeen is only HK$5.9, for at least 50% longer journey.
4. With great appointment to see vehicle reduction for GMB 59, and NWFB 971; the latter is
currently scheduled for 30-minute interval, it will be a nightmare if it becomes an-hourly
interval.


I have seen that after the commence of West Island Line, it is suggested that Citybus Route
M47 be cancelled.
44

And then after the commence of South Island line, it is further suggested that Citybus Route
47P be cancelled, and NWFB Route 971 be diverted using Pok Fu Lam Road in lieu of
Victoria Road.

Thank you for your views on franchised bus services along Victoria Road

From the above, I have seen that there will be NO BUS to operate via Victoria Road anymore!

45 Cyberport's letter, see annex 1 and 2

Thank you for your views on franchised bus and GMB services for
Cyberport under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public
Transport Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public
views on the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have
received.

46 Baguio Villa residents' letter, see annex 3




Thank you for your views on the proposed frequency reduction of GMB
route 54 under the West Island Line and South Island Line (East) Public
One point would comment that they propose to decrease the frequency of the 54 at rush hours.
Transport Re-organisation Plans. This Department is now soliciting public
We strong object for this. Since many resident along Victoria road rely on this to go to Central
47
views on the preliminary plans and considering the suggestions we have
in the morning. Even though with MTR, we need to take connecting bus to the MTR station
which is waste of time. Please help to reflect the opinion.
received.
Reducing the frequency of buses will make them unattractive/unviable options for travel and
will consequently result in more loss of revenue to the operators. I understand that to be the
fate of Minibus 10 which used to ply Sha Wan Drive but very infrequently and at random
times.
Your concerns about the service level of existing GMB route 10 and
48 I would be happy to take the bus (instead of the cab) if the buses were more regular and ran
residents' service operating along Sha Wan Drive are noted. Please be
closer to where I live (25 Sha Wan Drive). Taking a bus now means a long hike up to Sassoon advised that this Department is looking into the matters and will reply you.
Road and an indefinite wait for buses that either do not turn up or turn up full. H88 is great as
it is regular. It however only picks up passengers at Sha Wan Drive after 10am for some reason
which restricts its use (aside from its limited routing).

Under "Changes when the West Island and South Island lines commence" I see little has been
mentioned on how to improve transportation for residents of the Upper and Lower Baguio
Villas!


To my understanding, the cancellation of M47 would mean there will be no public transport
from either of the two Island line terminals at Kennedy Town and Aplichau that will run along
Victoria Road and to reach/pass Baguio Villas!
Re-organisation Plans and the two proposed GMB feeder routes for Pok Fu
If such becomes the case, do you think this will be fair for housewives and domestic helpers
49
Lam area. This Department is now soliciting public views on the
when they have to go markets at Aberdeen, Wah Fu or Kennedy Town daily?
Can I suggest to propose 2 GMB circular routes, one to start at the Aplichau Terminal to cover
Aberdeen, Chi Fu and Pokfulam Gardens, Cyber Port and the Baguio Villas. The other from
Kennedy Town to cover Baguio Villas, Cyber Port, Chi Fu and Pokfulam Gardens. These two
circular routes, interceptoing in the centrsal areas, will link all pokfulam residents to either of
the MTR terminals as well as convinence to market visitors.
Grateful for your considerations and a possible appraisal.



For the proposal of consolidating CTB routes M47 and 48, does it mean the
amalgamation of CTB route M47 with 48 and extension of the northern end
M47 should not be cancelled unless there is a replacement for the services it provides. It is a
of CTB route 48 from Wah Fu (North) to Kennedy Town? Please clarify.
vital service to the community. To connect Kennedy Town and Wong Chuk Hang, please
After the commissioning of the West Island Line and South Island Line
consolidate M47 and 48 so people along the catchment area could go to either WIL or SIL. The
(East) in 2014 and 2015 respectively, both Kennedy Town and Wong Chuk
existing GMB59 is always full, infrequent and hence doesn't serve the needs.
50
Hang are covered in the MTR network. I don't see the need for the provision
of road-based feeder service under this circumstance.
[Comment post TD response]: Yes, it could be the amalgamation of M47 and 48. The purpose
is to allow people between Kennedy Town and Wong Chuk Hang to travel to either stations
[TD's response to further comment : The revised bus route reorganisation
and to provide a solution to the proposed cancellation of M47.
proposal for the western area of Southern District, including CTB route M47
has been submitted to the SDC TTC for consultation in early November
2013. Members of the public are welcome to comment on the revised
proposal.]
Your concerns about the service level of GMB route 59 are noted. We will
continue to closely monitor the service level of this GMB route and liaise
with the operator to strengthen the service of the route to meet passenger
demand when necessary.


Re-organisation Plans. This Department has followed up and reviewed the
preliminary plans with the relevant bus operators, and formulated the revised
plans to tie in with the commissioning of the West Island Line by making
reference to the views so collected. The revised bus route reorganisation
I would strong object for the termination of m47. It makes the residents more dependent on
proposal for the western area of Southern District, including CTB route M47
mini bus service. At present , the mini bus 58,59 58a alway full and have a long waiting time.
51
The termination would increase the loading of the mini bus. It will hamper the traveling of the
local residents. Hope that you would reflect our concern about it.
proposal.
Your concerns about the service level of GMB routes 58, 58A and 59 are
noted. We will continue to closely monitor the service level of these GMB
routes and liaise with the operator to strengthen the service of these routes to
meet passenger demand when necessary.



Thank you for your views on the proposed frequency adjustment of GMB 54
Re-organisation Plans. To tie in the commissioning of the West Island Line,
the operating condition of GMB 54 will be closely monitored. Following the
On Mount Davis Road we only have 1 bus that takes us to central, the No 54 minibus. I note established practice, TD will also closely observe its ridership and service
that the proposal is that this service be cut back slightly. This cannot be allowed to happen.
level and ensure that the provision of service is in compliance with the
There are times when I have stood at the bus stop & 3 full buses have gone flying past me,
schedule of service while meeting passengers demand. Furthermore, we will
52 before I've been able to get on one. Further there are very few taxis which come gown out road follow up the service level with the GMB operator and make timely
- I used to live on Victoria Road, and it was much easier to get taxis there. Just because there adjustment with reference to the actual reidership after the commissioning of
is a train which goes from Kennedy town doesn't mean that we have less need for transport
the new railway.
from Pok Fu Lam.
Your concerns about the service level of GMB route 54 are noted. We will
continue to closely monitor the service level of this GMB route and liaise
with the operator to strengthen the service of the route to meet passenger
demand when necessary.
The bus companies vote with their feet anyway when they want to make changes. The 3A was
(effectively) discontinued except as a St Claires school bus because of lack of use. The lack of
use was because FROM CENTRAL the bus was always so late (despite Connaught Road being
the 1st stop) that passengers gave up waiting. The company could then plead lack of support
for the route which WOULD have been far more popular had passengers been sure it was still
operating. The #23 is now, no doubt, far more profitable since the amount of buses has been
53
halved thus always full, standing only, far longer journeys. ETC.
I strongly object to the merging of 40M and 40. The 40M has a horrible route along
Bonham/Caine which takes forever 9as opposed to Park Road/Robinson for the 40. PLUS the
40M gets almost to Admiralty at bottom of Garden Road before going back entirely on itself
and going through Central before finally reaching Admiralty; a ridiculous detour.

This Department has followed up and reviewed the preliminary plans with
the relevant bus operators, and formulated the revised plans to tie in with the
commissioning of the West Island Line by making reference to the views so
collected. The revised reorganisation proposal for CTB routes 40 and 40M
proposal.



I am a resident in Baguio Villa, and I am strongly against the proposed re-organisation of bus
route no. 973 by the Transport Department.
Everyday my wife needs to take minibus no. 8 or 28 to Lady Ho Tung Hall, Pok Fu Lam Road
for switching to bus route 973 to go to her office in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. And every
night she needs to get home by taking the same bus. It will be a tremendous inconvenience to
her if the route 973 is going to be re-organised and re-located to service through Hung Hom
Cross Harbour Tunnel because she cannot find any alternative bus route to come back.
54

Moreover, what upset me is that the bus route has already fallen short of demand. Every
morning the buses are so full that there are always long queues at the stops right before going
into the West Harbour Crossing Tunnel. Attached please find a photo taken 8:11 am on 11
October 2013 at 973 bus stop at Sai Ying Pun Post Office, Pok Fu Lam Road. Only a few
lucky people got on the bus because it was already extremely full, leaving the majority
desperately waiting for another bus. What about the people waiting at the next stop at Water
Street? Sorry, no chance at all because the driver simply skipped the stop there. Just take a look
at the picture and you will agree that many people need this route, so what is the point of
taking it away?

Thank you for your views on the proposed diversion of CTB route 973
the preliminary plans for the South Island Line (East) and considering the
suggestions we have received with concerned public transport operators. We
have put your views in our record and will consider them together with all
other comments received.
Your concerns about the service level of CTB route 973 are noted. We will
continue to closely monitor the service level of this franchised bus route and
liaise with the bus company to strengthen the service of the route to meet
passenger demand when necessary.

*Items 28- 47 are newly added on 29 July 2013, items 48-50 added on 24 September 2013, items 51-54 added on 15 October 2013

Initial response by TD to comments from pokfulam residents re public transport changes upon commissioning of WIL and SIL (6 November 2013)

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