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TAC discusses bus route rationalisation and phasing out heavily polluting diesel commercial vehicles

The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (March 26) on the Administration’s more comprehensive and vigorous approach in rationalising bus routes to better meet passenger demand, enhance bus operation efficiency, reduce pressure on fare increase, alleviate traffic congestion, and reduce roadside emissions, noting that this is a policy initiative announced in the Policy Address in January 2013.

“In view of the need for and benefits of rationalising bus services from both transport and environmental perspectives, the TAC supports the Government and franchised bus companies to pursue route rationalisation measures with greater vigour and determination. Members welcome the new “area approach” as well as the enhancement in interchange arrangements in rationalising bus services,” the TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok said.

TAC Members were also briefed on the Government’s proposal to phase out heavily polluting diesel commercial vehicles by an incentive-cum-regulatory approach and to limit the service life of newly registered diesel commercial vehicles at 15 years as announced in the 2013 Policy Address, in order to improve roadside air quality and protect public health.

Members noted that there are about 86 000 pre-Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles in Hong Kong accounting for 66 per cent of the diesel commercial vehicle fleet. These vehicles together emit about 90 per cent of respirable suspended particulates and 63 per cent of nitrogen oxides from all diesel commercial vehicles.

“Members welcome the Government’s plan to phase out heavily polluting diesel commercial vehicles by an incentive-cum-regulatory approach,” Mr Kwok said.

Ends/Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:24

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