Opinion : Piazza will not help Star Ferry
7 July 2009
SCMP

We refer to the letter from Winifred Chung, for the commissioner for tourism, ("Piazza will be public space for all to enjoy", June 27), replying to the letter by Charlie Chan Wing-tai ("Iconic Star Ferry will suffer if bus terminal is relocated", June 20).

I would like to comment on the possible impact on the Star Ferry of the planned piazza.

Ms Chung said: "The Transport Department will construct a new turnaround at Salisbury Road outside the Cultural Centre, with bus stops and taxi stands.

"The piazza will therefore enhance pedestrian flow, improve the connectivity between the pier and other areas in Tsim Sha Tsui, which will boost the patronage of the Star Ferry."

The Star Ferry's traffic consultant's findings in 2005 concluded that the proposed turnaround would neither enhance passenger flows nor improve the connectivity between the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and other forms of public transports, nor would it boost our patronage.

Worst of all, due to the anticipated traffic congestion in the area under the proposed traffic scheme and a longer walking distance to the pier from the turnaround, we shall suffer from a patronage drop of 8 per cent to 11 per cent.

We therefore have reservations about Ms Chung's claim that the piazza will boost the Star Ferry's patronage.

Johnny Leung, general manager, Star Ferry

(上次更新: 2009-07-13)