Hong Kong assures fair bidding process for mass transit systems, no preference for MTR Corp

Hong Kong transport authorities have pledged to ensure fair competition among bidders for three new mass transit systems, saying a separate tendering process will be conducted and that the MTR Corporation will not enjoy preferential treatment.

Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Amy Wong Pui-man said on Friday the tendering process for the three smart transit systems in East Kowloon, Kai Tak and Hung Shui Kiu would be fair and open.

“The projects don’t involve a heavy rail system but a light mass transit system so the MTR Corp so far doesn’t have any experience regarding this kind of projects,” she told a Legislative Council railway subcommittee.

“I see no reason that we should lean towards the MTR Corp with regard to these tenders … In some cases we need to build pedestrian connections to the rail stations, but it doesn’t mean that only the MTR Corp is capable of doing this.”

Wong made the assurance after transport authorities invited in August relevant suppliers and operators to submit expressions of interest for the mass transit systems in Kai Tak and East Kowloon.

She said the views obtained would help the government assess various technical aspects of the projects, including system characteristics, operational capabilities, repair and maintenance requirements. The input would serve as a reference for ascertaining the technical details, delivery mode and financial arrangement of the projects in future.