AECOM has been appointed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of HKSAR to carry out the Environmentally Friendly Transport Services (EFTS)* in Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area and adjacent areas. The main objectives are to develop and formulate a well-planned integrated Green Transport Corridor (GTC) featuring suitable green public transport modes, along with cycling and pedestrian facilities, to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the study area at different stages of its developments.
The study requires AECOM to explore potential extension of the SGMTS and/or enhancement of the connectivity to adjacent areas such as Tin Shui Wan New Town, Yuen Long New Town and Tuen Mun New Town at different stages of the development for phased implementation. It also involves the review of the project’s compatibility with the existing Light Rail Transit. Various types of green public transport modes will be evaluated to identify the most suitable mode(s) to serve as the SGMTS in forming the core of GTC.
Considerations in selecting the suitable green transportation mode
We evaluated different green transit modes, both road-based and rail-based, to identify the optimal solution for the GTC, ultimately recommending a road-based approach. Marketing-sounding, procurement methods, and preliminary engineering designs were also part of the process, enabling CEDD to reach decisions on the SGMTS and formulate strategies to take the recommended SGMTS Scheme to the subsequent design and construction stages. The SGMTS, in its nascent stages within Hong Kong, is designed to address urban congestion and transit challenges through electric propulsion, zero emissions, and a transition to cleaner energy. The systems embody innovation with a focus on energy efficiency, safety, comfort and cost-effectiveness. They leverage automation and technology to elevate passenger experience, including features like ticketless travel and advanced route planning with real-time information.
The planned network will traverse the 16-kilometer GTC, serving the HSK/HT NDA and Yuen Long South Development, accommodating a population of approximately 300,000 and providing employment for around 160,000 in the area. It will ensure connectivity with key transit nodes, which include the Tuen Ma Line’s Hung Shui Kiu Station, Tin Shui Wai Station, the Light Rail’s Nai Wai Stop, and Chung Fu Stop, alongside existing and proposed public transport interchanges. To foster a culture of cycling and healthy living, bicycle parking spaces will be placed near SGMTS stations. This integration of cycling with public transit is aimed at facilitating healthier travel options while mitigating urban congestion and air pollution.
To align with the phased development of HSK/HT NDA and Yuen Long South Development, SGMTS will be commissioned in phases. Visit here for more details about the project and our recommendations.
Beyond transportation in the Hung Shui Kiu New/Ha Tsuen Development Area
In addition to this project, AECOM is engaged in a variety of initiatives across multiple sectors within this NDA. These projects encompass the design and construction of the Hung Shui Kiu Effluent Polishing Plant, engineering feasibility study for developments in Tin Shui Wai Area, and site formation and infrastructural works for public housing development at Ping Shan South (Yuen Long), Lam Tei North and Nai Wai (Tuen Mun), among others.
* “Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS)” is the term adopted as per the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint promulgated in December 2023.