'Transport strategy blueprint to include AI'

The government will continue to expedite the implementation of railways, major roads, and smart and green mass transit systems – as outlined in a blueprint that provides a roadmap to meet the SAR's demand until 2046 and beyond – based on infrastructure-led and capacity-creating principles, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan. Writing in his weekly blog on Sunday, he noted that the launch of the Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Bypass would allow residents travelling cross-districts for school and work to save 50 minutes of commute time per round trip. When the remaining Kowloon Bay section opens next year, Chan said the entire bypass, along with the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel, would slash the current journey time between Tseung Kwan O and Yau Ma Tei from 65 minutes to just 12 minutes. He also pointed out the Transport Strategy Blueprint – that will soon be unveiled – will cover areas such as enhancing the application of AI and technology, the promotion of the development of autonomous vehicles, and smart motorway management. Separately on cross-boundary infrastructure, Chan said the government hopes to complete the construction of the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Express Railway (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) in 2034, and launch both the SAR and Shenzhen sections in 2035. In this way, he said it would better promote the development of the economy and the high-end services sector between the two places. The government will continue to enhance the transportation infrastructure network to boost the public's quality of life and the SAR's overall competitiveness, the minister added.