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Half-day Seminar – 5 June 2010 (Saturday)

Environmentally Friendly Transport System

Theme Hong Kong possesses one of the most successful transport systems in the world. With respect to roads, we have an extensive and efficient highway network providing fast vehicular access to every corner of the city. With respect to public transport, our mass transit railway system is renowned for its efficiency and high patronage of millions of passengers a day. Nevertheless, to cope with the ever increasing travel demand generated at new towns being distantly located from the city centre, the Hong Kong transport system has never stopped growing. New railway lines and road network are continuously being planned and built to cope with the rising travel demand. On the other hand, following the world trend, sustainable transport systems and means have aroused great interest in the transport field. Heated discussions have been generated among the Government, public transport system operators and users in Hong Kong as in how this trend would affect the future development of the Hong Kong transport system. The theme of this seminar which encompasses topics related to “Environmentally Friendly Transport System”, was chosen with a view to giving audience an insight into the principle and latest development of the environmentally friendly systems and measures adopted in other parts of the world and how they could be applied in Hong Kong to lead to not just a successful but a sustainable transport system in future.

Keynote address

Mr. Joseph LAI, The Commissioner for Transport, HKSAR Government Speakers:

Dr. Timothy HAU The University of Hong Kong Mr. CHEW Tai Chong MTR Corporation Limited Mr. Derek SUN AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr. Sam TSOI Ove Arup and Partners HK Limited Dr. Glenn FROMMER MTR Corporation Limited Mr. Kane Yuet Hung SHUM The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd.

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Venue: Wang Gungwu Theatre, Graduate House, HKU Date & time: Saturday, 5 June 2010 from 8:30am to 1:00pm.

Programme

Time Duration Event

08:30

Registration

09:00 15 mins Welcome Speech Mr. Eric MA Chairman CIHT Hong Kong Branch

09:15 15 mins Keynote Address Mr. Joseph LAI, The Commissioner for Transport, HKSAR Government

09:30 25 mins Theme 1 – Congestion Pricing Dr Timothy HAU, The University of Hong Kong

09:55 25 mins Theme 2 – Railway Planning Mr. CHEW Tai Chong, MTR Corporation Limited

10:20 25 mins Theme 3 – Pedestrian Planning Mr. Derek SUN, AECOM Asia Company Limited

10:45 25 mins Tea/Coffee Break

11:10 25 mins Theme 4 – Impact on Air Quality Due to Vehicle Emission Mr. Sam TSOI, Ove Arup & Partners HK Limited

11:35 25 mins Theme 5 – Travel Behaviors in Response to 2009 Copenhagen Accord Dr. Glenn FROMMER, MTR Corporation Limited

12:00 25 mins Theme 6 – Energy Saving Measures for Consumption In the Bus and Along The Line Mr. Kane Yuet Hung SHUM, Kowloon Motor Bus

12:25 20 mins Panel Discussion – All speakers

12:45 15 mins Presentation of Souvenir

13:00 15 mins Closing Remarks

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Who should attend:

This seminar will be of interest to practitioners in highways and infrastructure projects including senior managers, planners, professionals and students. Registration Fee: (include tea / coffee / CPD certificate) General HK$350

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Free Parking label will be available at the Reception Counter.

Deadline: 28 May 2010 Remarks: This seminar can contribute to your Continuous Professional Development Records and CPD certificate will be available to all participants.

Registration Form

Seminar: Half-day Seminar 2010 by CIHT Hong Kong Branch Date & time: 5 June 2010 (Saturday), 8:30am to 1:15pm

Name (surname first): Mr /Ms /Ir /Dr ____________________________________________________ Company: _________________________________________________________________________

Contact Tel __________________Fax _____________Email________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ I have enclosed with this form a crossed cheque No ______________________________ payable to

“The Institution of Highways & Transportation Hong Kong Branch” in the sum of HK$350.

Signature:________________________________ Date________________________________ Registration by email to shirley.lau@mva.com.hk or by fax to 2527 8490, then follow by mail together with cheque and registration form mailing to: Treasurer of the CIHT Hong Kong Branch

Ir Vincent M H CHAN

c/o MVA HK Ltd

2606, China Resources Building

26 Harbour Road

Wanchai, Hong Kong For enquiries, please contact Ms Shirley Lau at 2529 7037

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Half-day Seminar – 5 June 2010 (Saturday)

Environmentally Friendly Transport System

Keynote Address Environmentally Friendly Transport System

Speaker: Mr. Joseph LAI, The Commissioner for Transport, HKSAR Government Mr. Joseph Lai Yee-tak joined the Administrative Service in August 1983, and he has been Commissioner for Transport since August 2009. Mr. Lai has served in various bureaus and departments, including the former Home Affairs Branch, the former Trade and Industry Branch, the Lands Department, the former Finance Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Economic Services Branch, the former Constitutional Affairs Branch, and the former Education and Manpower Bureau. He was Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry from May 2001 to March 2003, and Deputy Secretary for Constitutional Affairs from March 2003 to December 2006, as well as Director-General of Trade and Industry from January 2007 to August 2009.

Theme 1 – Congestion Pricing

Synopsis: If economists agree that road pricing would benefit society by reducing congestion, why is it that road pricing inevitably fails on political grounds? An economic justification based on efficiency analysis is offered here using first principles. The aim is to demonstrate that road pricing makes travelers worse off on average except the government. The lesson is that road users must be compensated or else they will rationally vote against road pricing. A policy implication is that unless road price is viewed (and sold) as a road user fee - as opposed to a tax - road pricing is doomed to political failure. In order to get road pricing to fly so as to curtail congestion and pollution, a policy to compensate road users in an indirect manner so as not to distort incentives should be pursued, for instance, by: i) lowering fuel taxes, first registration taxes, annual license fees, etc. - if they are already high; ii) constructing and improving the road system for the tolled, and/or iii) improving the public transport system for those who are tolled off and the tolled on. In this way, travelers would perceive that they would not be made worse off and would be more inclined to support road pricing. Speaker: Dr. Timothy D. Hau, Associate Professor of Economics, The University of Hong Kong

Timothy D. Hau obtained his Bachelor's degree from Stanford University and Master's and Ph.D. degrees in economics from the University of California at Berkeley. Upon graduation, Tim went on to become an assistant professor of economics at the University of California at Davis. He then returned to Hong Kong to teach and do research at the University of Hong Kong. His single-authored papers have appeared in journals such as Economica, Economics Letters, Built Environment, Transportation Research B, Transportmetrica and the Journal of Transport Economics and Policy. Tim was invited by the World Bank to work as an economist in the World Bank's Transport Division, Infrastructure and Urban Development Department in Washington D.C. in 1990. As a World Bank official, Tim participated in several missions to China, Korea, India and Chile. His World Bank publications on the theory and technologies of road use charging have been widely circulated and cited in both the academic and professional literature. While at the World Bank, he also worked in the Public Economics Division of the Policy Research Department until 1994, when he resumed his teaching duties at the University of Hong Kong. He has provided transport policy advice to the Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, National Research Council of the U.S. Academy of Sciences as well as the Central Policy Unit, the Environment, Transport and Works Branch and the Sustainable Development Unit of the Hong Kong Government

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Theme 2 – Railway Planning

Synopsis : Since MTR started the construction of metro in Hong Kong back in 1976, the city has

undergone transformations that enable it to become one of the world’s leading financial centres. Railway

development in different areas across the territory has contributed to the emergence of new towns,

regeneration of old and depressed districts, improved standards of living, and a better preserved

environment.

As the territory’s sole rail operator today, MTR continues to embrace the opportunity and responsibility

of shaping the future of transport system and urban development in Hong Kong. The current agenda for

the next decade entails dramatic expansion with 4 new domestic rail extensions, as well as a dedicated

cross-boundary express line linked to the high-speed rail network in mainland China. Beyond these

projects under delivery action, possibilities of further expansion are also under study, together with

initiatives to provide greater convenience and caring services such as pedestrian links, property

development and station retail.

This paper discusses the MTR approach in meeting the challenge of “developing railways as the

backbone of Hong Kong's transport system" as set out by the Railway Development Strategy 2000,

bringing positive social, economic and environmental values under the banner of sustainable

development, and to complement the ambitions of city planning for the 21st century.

Speaker: Mr. CHEW Tai Chong, Projects Director of MTR Corporation Limited

T.C. Chew is the current Projects Director of MTR Corporation Limited. He joined the Corporation in

May 2009 as Deputy Projects Director - New Projects. Mr. Chew has worked in the rail transit industry,

both in the United Kingdom and overseas, for over 30 years. Between 2003 and 2008, he was the

President of Bombardier London Underground Projects Division. Up to 2003, he held the position of

Senior Director, Projects and Engineering, for Singapore Land Transit Authority. He is a member of the

Construction Industry Council (from 1 February 2010). He is a Chartered Engineer and a fellow of four

professional institutions in the United Kingdom – Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Railway Signalling.

Theme 3 – Pedestrian Planning

Synopsis: Planning for pedestrian has never been an easy job in view of the complicated pedestrian behavior and multi-function nature of urban streets and connections. In many Hongkongers’ minds, Mongkok is not just an ordinary shopping area but a destination where great varieties of interesting activities taking place making each visit a distinctively memorable experience. The strong urban grid and scale of urban fabric in Mongkok have led to the ‘organic development’ of cluster zones as well as thematic shopping streets appealing to different consumption groups of the community. Notwithstanding its dynamic and energetic district culture, Mongkok is also faced with many urban issues hampering smooth flow of pedestrians and the pleasant shopping and walking experience.

This paper introduces the key features and characteristics identified with the Mongkok Shopping Streets

area. The planning framework established shows how setting up of different hierarchical themes and

functions can provide a creative yet logical approach in enhancing the pedestrian environment hence

over attractiveness of the area. Key projects proposed are highlighted to demonstrate the considerations,

constraints and benefits involved.

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Speaker: Mr. Derek SUN, Planning Director of AECOM Asia Company Limited Derek Sun obtained his BSc (Engineering) and MSc (Urban Planning) from University of Hong Kong in

1985 and 1987 respectively, Mr. Sun is a registered professional planner, Member of Hong Kong

Institution of Planners (HKIP), and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). He is now the Planning

Director with the Design + Planning Practice of the AECOM Asia Company Limited taking leading

roles in a number of high profile planning and design projects.

Mr. Sun is a veteran town planner with solid background knowledge and proven expertise in carrying out

various types of planning and development projects, including statutory planning, development

consultancy, strategic planning studies, infrastructure feasibility studies, geographic information system

(GIS) development, public participation and engagement etc. Projects involved cover various key

infrastructure and destination developments at West Kowloon, the Kai Tak Ex-Airport site, and Wanchai

North. Mr Sun was the Study Manager of the Mongkok Area Improvement Plan Study carried out by

AECOM for the Planning Department of the HKSAR Government recently completed in 2009.

Theme 4 – Impact on Air Quality Due to Vehicle Emission

Synopsis: The roadside particular matter has exhibited a decreasing trend in the last decade. This reflects that the vehicle emission control measures implemented over the last decade have taken effect. In the Policy Address 2009 - 2010, the Government proposed to use the Air Quality Guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) as the long-term goal, and adopted the WHO's interim targets to update Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) in stages. These proposed new AQOs are stringent but pragmatic, and comparable to those adopted by other advanced countries such as the European Union and the US. Hence, a host of comprehensive emission reduction measures which Government would consider implementing for improving Hong Kong’s air quality has been identified for achieving the proposed new AQOs. This paper will discuss the health effect of pollutants from transportation, proposed new AQO, emission inventory of Hong Kong and selection criteria for further emission control strategies in transportation sector.

Speaker: Mr. Sam TSOI, Director of Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Limited Sam Tsoi obtained his BSc and MSc degrees from University of Southampton in 1986 and Heriot Watt

University in 1988 respectively. He is a registered professional engineer, Fellow of Institute of

Acoustics, Member of Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Member of the Hong Kong Institution of

Engineers and Member of Institute of Environmental Science. Sam is the Director of Consulting in Ove

Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd responsible for the environmental and venue group of the East Asia

Region. In addition, he represents the East Asia Region on the Arup Global Task Force in the

development the firm’s sustainability policy and action plans.

He has over 20 years experiences on environmental consultancies including policy review and strategies

formulation, environmental management, EIA studies, environmental engineering design, EM&A and

remedial measures investigation and implementation. Key high level projects undertaken include Review

of air quality objectives and development of a long term air quality strategies for Hong Kong, Air quality

assessment for Airport Authority, EIA study for Olympic Equestrian Events Quarantine Stable, EIA

studies for Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao-Bridge Boundary Crossing Facilities and Link Road, SEA study

for land use planning for closed area, etc.

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Theme 5 – Travel Behaviors in Response to 2009 Copenhagen Accord

Synopsis : Meeting our present transport needs without compromising our future needs is a key sustainability challenge. The transport sector contributes 23% of energy-related CO2 emissions and is the fastest growing sector in terms of GHG emissions in developing countries. The UN Habitat reports that in the coming years the largest majority of mega and large cities with will be in Asia. How we meet this challenge may very well determine the future quality of life for our future generations. The author attended the Conference of Parties (COP-15) meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009 representing the International Association of Transport Providers (UITP), where the programme ‘Bridging the Gap’ was presented. Partnering with GTZ, TRL, Veolia Transport and ITDP, Bridging the Gap seeks to encourage international action and to slow down the growth in transport emissions focusing on a Post 2012 Agreement. It is our intention to create an agreement that would be fully applicable to all actors in the land transport sector. The author will detail the programme and speak of his experiences in Copenhagen. As Hong Kong presents a unique and successful proponent for this programme, a description of MTR’s Climate Change Policy and its implantation will also be presented.

Speaker: Dr. Glenn FROMMER, Head of Sustainability Development of MTR Corporation

Limited

Dr. Glenn Frommer is the Head of Sustainability Development for the Mass Transit Railway Corporation where he has worked since 1992. He has the responsibility for implementing MTRC’s sustainability policies and all environmental assessments for new rail projects, and reporting on achievements through the MTRC’s internationally benchmarked Sustainability Reports. He is a member and fellow of several international and Hong Kong professional, associations. He is the Honorary Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission for the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and a past Chair of the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment (HKIEIA). Dr. Frommer received his Doctorate from Stanford University in 1977 and was a Fulbright Fellow in Denmark 1977-78.

Theme 6 – Energy Saving Measures for Consumption In the Bus and Along

The Line

Synopsis : Hong Kong with a land area of only 1,104 square kilometers of which about 17 percent is built-up, has population of about 7 millions. The topography make it difficult to provide additional road capacity in the heavily built-up areas. There are about 3.7 million passenger trips carried by franchised buses. KMB has taken various measures to achieve energy saving in bus operation by means of the introduction of some hardware system improvements on the bus such as the driveline, the air-conditioning system, the refueling system and other features on the bus. On the other hand, some software system improvements such as passenger loading & unloading facilities, bus type selection and some traffic management measures such as rationalization of bus stops at busy corridors, the Bus-Bus-Interchange Scheme, the “Split service” on the same route, the “Redeployment” of buses between routes, the Bus-Only-Lane, Auto-toll system etc. KMB also introduced some “Eco-Practice” such as switch off engine at termini and developed “Eco-drive” Training for all the bus captains. KMB is also very cautious to the maintenance of its buses which not only provides a reliable fleet but also saves energy in its operation.

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Speaker: Mr. Kane Yuet Hung SHUM, Principal Engineer, Bus Engineering of The

Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Mr Kane Shum has been the Principal Engineer, Bus Engineering of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) since 1 October 1997. With a fleet of around 4,000 buses plying on some 400 routes, KMB is one of the largest privately owned and operated bus companies in the world. Mr Shum has been responsible for overseeing all aspects related to vehicle engineering including new bus specifications for bus purchase, bus maintenance policy, development work and technical support to all depot operations. He has been constantly working on the improvement measures of the driveline efficiency for buses. He has been continuously to review the bus specifications to meet the change in passenger demand, and operation & maintenance advancement, including the introduction of the new generation Super Low Floor double deck buses taking into account the latest transport concept which has been proven in the stringent operation environment in Hong Kong.

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Sponsored By: AECOM Asia Company Limited Aedas Limited Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited Gammon Construction Limited Gammon Nishimatsu WIL Joint Venture Hopewell Highway Infrastructure Limited Hyder Consulting Limited Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited Mannings (Asia) Consultants Ltd. MTR Corporation Limited MVA Hong Kong Limited Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited Paul Y. Engineering Group Limited Scott Wilson Limited

Supported By HKU and Civil

Engineering Society, ENS, HKUSU

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