Hong Kong smart and green mass transit system on track with HK$262.5 million deal

The team would promptly proceed with the planning, investigation and design work for the project, a department spokesman said.

Initiated in 2014 by the government, the project is expected to invite tenders for construction in 2026, with the contract awarded in 2027 and the project completed by 2033 or sooner, he added.

The Highways Department said at the Legco meeting that trains in the transport system were likely to be driverless.

The study and design work, including a financial assessment, tendering, tender evaluation and award of the contract, was estimated to be completed within 3½ years

The preliminary estimated length of the proposed Smart and Green Mass Transit System is about 7km (4.3 miles), with viaducts of about 6km and a 1km-long tunnel.

The department said there would be eight stations linking Choi Hung East near the MTR Choi Hung station and Yau Tong East near the MTR Yau Tong station, with stops at Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat and Ma Yau Tong.

The proposed system would also provide fast and convenient feeder services to the northern uphill areas in Kwun Tong and connect the MTR Choi Hung and Yau Tong stations with major public transport interchanges.

It would serve more than 300,000 residents in those areas while also reducing the impact of road traffic congestion, the department spokesman said.

He added that authorities would invite suppliers and operators from the mainland and overseas to submit proposals of interest later this year and assess their capabilities in constructing and operating the system, as well as to seek their views on various aspects of the project.