The Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange (TMBBI) enables passengers to access a wider network of bus services through facilitating convenient interchanges between different bus routes. With a growing population in Tuen Mun District, the utilisation rate of the TMBBI is also increasing. The Government has implemented a series of enhancement measures to improve the operation efficiency of the TMBBI.
Currently, there are 58 bus routes utilising the TMBBI with daily passenger trips of around 16 000 and 21 000 at Kowloon-bound and Tuen Mun-bound directions respectively. The usage of the TMBBI is particularly high during peak hours where slow traffic flow may be observed. In this regard, the Transport Department (TD) has followed up with franchised bus companies and introduced the following enhancement measures:
(1) diverting 10 bus routes plying between the airport/North Lantau and Northwest New Territories to the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel and relocating the stopping points of some bus routes at the TMBBI to improve traffic flow and make optimal use of the space;
(2) requesting bus companies to deploy manpower to assist passengers with boarding and alighting, and regulate traffic flow during the morning and evening peak hours, with a view to enhancing the operation efficiency of the TMBBI; and
(3) providing one additional bus lay-by at the Tuen Mun-bound BBI and two at the Kowloon-bound BBI in phases, so as to provide more space for boarding and alighting at the same time. The works are expected to be completed by 2023.
The TD will continue to closely monitor the operation of the TMBBI. When considering the possibility of further diversion of suitable bus routes away from the TMBBI, the TD will avoid reducing the interchange options in individual districts.
The Government's transport policy is underpinned by public transport, encouraging the public to make good use of the public transport network for their journeys as far as practicable and minimise their reliance on private cars. When the Government is to conduct any study on development planning of BBIs and their adjacent areas in future, the feasibilities of BBI enhancement and provision of park-and-ride facilities will be considered for study in one go. In addition, the TD is now carrying out the Traffic and Transport Strategy Study to explore proposals in further improving public transport facilities and the environment under the "single site, multiple uses" principle. Topics to be reviewed include, among others, the feasibility of constructing a new generation of transport interchange hubs at suitable locations along with the provision of park-and-ride services as far as possible with a view to enhancing the efficient use of transport infrastructure. The TMBBI is also covered by the scope of the Study.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau and the TD will continue to enhance the transport infrastructure facilities and public transport services having regard to district developments, demographic changes, operation and changes in demand of public transport services, etc.
Ends/Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:04