Cheap parking

A scheme to lure motorists to use the train by offering cheap parking has received a lukewarm response.

Only 122 drivers used the scheme each day, the Legco transport panel was told. Panellists labelled the scheme a failure and urged officials to think of more incentives to attract users.

The Park-and-Ride scheme, tried at Sheung Shui station since December 1997, aims to ease urban traffic by persuading drivers to switch to taking the train. A user can expect to save $32 a day.

Panellist Lee Wing-tat asked: 'How helpful is it if only 122 drivers use the facility each day? 'They can be accommodated in one single train compartment.'