Hong Kong lawmaker raises concerns over new Huanggang port's transport links
Hong Kong lawmaker Chan Siu-hung has expressed concerns about the software, hardware and transport links of the rebuilt Huanggang port, which is about to open. He expects many visitors on the first weekend and trusts the government has contingency plans.
A Hong Kong lawmaker has raised concerns about the rebuilt Huanggang port's software, hardware and overall transport links ahead of its imminent opening. Chan Siu-hung, a member of the Legislative Council's transport panel, told RTHK's 'Millennium' programme that he expects many people to visit the new facility on its first Saturday and Sunday to take photos and experience the new 'cooperative inspection, one-time release' customs clearance model.
Asked about contingency plans if crowds become too large to manage, Chan said he firmly believes the government will not be lax in this area. He noted that authorities have set up public transport buffer zones near the port building, with franchised buses on standby to deploy during peak crowds. Chan also stressed the importance of on-site signage, saying the Transport Department has announced it will deploy sufficient staff to guide passengers and provide relevant traffic information.
Chan expects the MTR's Northern Link line, which will connect to Huanggang port via a branch line, to begin operation in 2034. Until then, he said the port will rely on public transport connections, adding that whether these can adequately handle passenger flows at different times will depend on the actual situation after the port opens.
Chan drew a comparison with the Shenzhen Bay port, which is not open 24 hours but handled a combined 200,000出入境 passenger trips during peak periods. He noted that port has several franchised bus and minibus routes, as well as more than 20 cross-border direct bus services, and that operators have sufficient experience managing passenger flows after years of operation.