Government invites market to submit expressions of interest regarding Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas
******************************************************************************************
A spokesperson for the TLB said, "The Chief Executive announced the implementation of the SGMTS in HSK/HT and YLS NDAs in the 2023 Policy Address and further expressed the devotion of the Government to taking forward the project in the 2024 Policy Address. Early this year in May, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has already kick-started the investigation and design works for the Phase 1 road works of the project. Through this EOI invitation, we would like to further ascertain the market's interest and capability in providing and operating the SGMTS.
"Subject to the EOI submitted by the relevant suppliers and operators and other relevant factors, our target is to invite tender for the project in 2026 and award the contract in 2027. We will continue to explore various procurement options and consider the feedback gathered from the EOI exercise to review the feasibility of shortening the overall programme of the project."
The SGMTS in HSK/HT and YLS NDAs is about 16 kilometres in length, most of which are dedicated roads. At the major and busy road junctions, grade separation arrangements will be adopted to segregate the SGMTS from the other road-based traffic. Coupled with the real-time adaptive traffic signal system to be implemented in the area, overall smooth traffic flow can be achieved. The SGMTS will adopt a green road-based mode without the need for physical rail tracks. Plying through the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs, the SGMTS will serve some 300 000 residents and a working population of about 160 000 in the areas. The SGMTS will connect to Hung Shui Kiu and Tin Shui Wai Stations of the Tuen Ma Line, Chung Fu and Nai Wai Stops of the Light Rail, as well as the existing and to-be-built public transport interchanges in the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs, providing the public with convenient feeder services to travel to various districts of Hong Kong.
The Government will undertake the road infrastructure works of the project and propose a single party to be responsible for undertaking the remainder of the project, including operating the SGMTS for a contract period of around 20 to 30 years, designing and constructing the depots/control centre necessary for the operation of the SGMTS, and handing over the SGMTS in good operation condition to the Government at the end of the contract period, if needed. The future operator shall run the SGMTS on a commercial basis and provide high-quality public transportation services at publicly acceptable fares. If necessary, the Government may explore providing financial support for the project, including granting property development rights at the proposed depot site.
"The feedback gathered from the EOI will enhance our understanding of various technical aspects of the projects, including system characteristics, operation capabilities, and maintenance and repair requirements. This will enable us to engage with the market to identify a delivery model that aligns with public interests and is financially viable. Such information will serve as a reference for firming up the specific requirements and designs of the SGMTS and the relevant infrastructure, as well as ascertaining the delivery mode and financial arrangements at a later stage. We encourage interested suppliers and operators to submit their EOIs. This EOI exercise is not a tender exercise, nor is it part of the procurement exercise," the spokesperson continued.
The TD will conduct online briefing sessions for interested companies regarding the SGMTS in HSK/HT and YLS NDAs. Details of the EOI invitation and online briefing sessions can be found on the webpage of the TD (www.sgmts-hskht.hk/eoi/).
The deadline for submitting the EOI is noon on February 28, 2025 (Friday).
Ends/Friday, December 20, 2024
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN