A call for the Government to finance the construction of the rail link between Ma On Shan and urban Kowloon was voted down by legislators.
Instead they passed a motion urging the Government to 'formulate an appropriate financing option' for building the link via Tai Wai to help solve serious traffic congestion. They also wanted the Government to ensure reasonable fares.
Dr John Tse Wing-ling of the Democratic Party had sought to amend the original motion by independent Choy Kan-pui to put the ultimate financial responsibility on the Government.
It was replaced by an amendment by Dr Law Cheung-kwok of the Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood, who said Dr Tse's suggestion would mean a heavy financial burden for the SAR government.
Albert Chan Wai-yip of the Democratic Party said a well-developed transport infrastructure was important for new town growth.
His colleague Zachary Wong Wai-yin agreed, saying the Government should place public interest ahead of its own.
