More one-way roads will lead to cleaner air
I refer to the report 'Little headway made in bid to cut bus trips' (August 24), about reducing bus routes in order to improve roadside air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
Many different interest groups will get involved in the debate about streamlining bus routes. It is certainly true that the government should do more to promote a greener environment. Our lawmakers must empower the Environment Bureau so that it can get bus operators to comply with its measures. Also, the bureau should try to get the Tourism Board involved [in reducing bus routes].
The fact is that, in some surveys on the quality of life in cities, Hong Kong is dropping in the rankings and our competitiveness will be hurt in the long run. I think transport interchanges could be set up at either end of our tunnels that cross the harbour. This could be done on a trial basis.
Efforts should also be made to redesign our major roads so we have more one-way roads. This would allow for faster traffic flow and fewer interchanges at key intersections.
Some groups might claim these new arrangements would be inconvenient for the elderly and schoolchildren.
However, once people got used to the changes, they would appreciate the time they were saving and the fact that there was less congestion and improved air quality. Tourists would also feel the benefit.
