TST bus terminus plan wins backing
2011-06-24 CITY3| CITY| By Ada Lee
South China Morning Post

The government has overcome the first major hurdle in its new plan to demolish the Tsim Sha Tsui bus terminus after gaining support from the district council yesterday.

The proposal to demolish the terminus next to the Star Ferry pier was approved by the Legislative Council six years ago but was delayed because of strong opposition.

Under the original plan, the area was to be developed into a piazza with the buses stopping at a new terminus in Mody Road.

The government put forward a new plan this week and officials were sent yesterday to explain details to Yau Tsim Mong district councillors, who supported it by 16 votes to four.

In the revised plan, a smaller terminus would be built at the present location and the size of the piazza would be reduced by 40 per cent.

Stops of all the 15 routes now using the terminus would remain in the area with five in the new terminus and the rest along nearby Salisbury Road and outside Star House.

The government suggested the demolition plan be carried out with the renovation of the ferry pier.

The Star Ferry Company has said it hopes the government will help in renovating and expanding the pier, with more shops and public space.

Councillors backing the plan said the revision showed the government had listened to the public.

The new plan is clear and in the right direction. It's good to keep the bus stops in the original area, councillor Hau Wing-cheong said.

But Our Bus Terminal, a group that has opposed the demolition since 2008, was not satisfied.

The area is a historical transportation hub. If the terminus is moved, it will lose its historical value, chairman Leslie Chan Ka-long said.

Chan was also worried about possible congestion in Salisbury Road.

The new plan will be published in September and public views will be gathered afterwards.

(上次更新: 2011-06-24)