Railway Development

offices of HyD, HKPF, Lands D, Plan D, TDD and HAD, with ad-hoc representation from other relevant departments such as FEHD and LCSD. Apart from STIC submissions related to new railway extension projects, there are also many proposed improvements to existing MTR stations. To take an example at the Wanchai Station, the footbridge at Hennessy Road is directly connected to the underground station concourse by escalators and passenger lift. Another similar example is the footbridge system along Mong Kok Road and Sai Yee Street which is under construction. At its completion, pedestrians can walk along the footbridge from the Grand Century Place (KCRC Mongkok Station) to a new entrance B3 of the MTR Mongkok Station at Fife Street. These projects were considered and endorsed by STIC. Next time when you plan for a footbridge or subway with connection to a railway station, dont forget to approach STIC! Other station improvement projects include the Station Lift Programme and the Proposed Refurbishment of Station Entrances. Under the Station Lift Programme, ten additional lifts within stations are being installed to connect concourse level with train platforms, and three external lifts to connect the concourse to street levels. The external lift at North Point is near completion while the work is still in progress for the one at Causeway Bay. The proposed external lift at Mongkok will commence construction soon. We can envisage that the use of MTR lines by the disabled person will be greatly encouraged with introduction of these lifts. Apart from the lifts, Proposed Refurbishment of Station Entrances along the Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line are being considered by the STIC. In the near future, you will see those beautiful entrances when you take the MTR. Apart from seeking approval from the STIC, railways corporations also have to consult the Safety and Security Coordination Committee (SSCC) on the fire and building regulations and Trackside Fire Safety Committee (TFSC) on safety arrangement of railway tracks between stations. These committees are chaired by the Railway Inspectorate of the Transport Bureau. K L WONG Railway Development Office

Photomontage of External Lift at Causeway Bay

What STIC does

Non-government construction works normally have to seek approval under Buildings Ordinance, but there are exemptions for some of the railway works carried out by the two railway corporations in Hong Kong. Exemption have been granted by the Director of Buildings for station improvement works of existing MTRC lines and some new railways extension projects. In lieu of the building submission, the railway corporations submit their design proposals to the Station and Transport Integration Committee (STIC) for vetting and approval. The purpose is to speed up the consultation and approval process by creating a forum for representatives from relevant government department to meet and discuss the proposals. As its name implies, the main concerns of STIC are on the design of station layout, external connections and interchange facilities. Taking into consideration of the predicted passenger flow to and from stations, STIC examines and agrees on the number and locations of entrances. It also looks into various transport facilities close to the proposed stations, and effect of the entrances on the existing roads, building and amenity areas. It aims to ensure that the design will provide passengers with convenient and effective transport services. RDO chairs the STIC meetings and coordinates with other government departments. Other STIC members include representatives from BD, FSD, TD, Regional