Better to make express rail link part of the existing network

In his letter ('Express rail link will generate huge economic benefits for HK', August 20), Yau Shing-mu, acting secretary for transport and housing, completely misses the point of your article on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link ('The $39b question no one asked', August 18).

His justification failed to address the HK$39 billion cost for the Hong Kong section.

Better patronage could be gained at a fraction of the cost by locating the terminus at Kam Sheung Road and using the existing and improved rail network to connect to the majority of travellers' destinations, as opposed to the less convenient and expensive deep underground station planned for West Kowloon.

An interchange to West Rail at Kam Sheung Road would provide good access to New Territories West, thus satisfying the justified complaints from residents in these areas over the lack of a station on the proposed line to Kowloon and would also give direct connections to Tsuen Wan and to West and South Kowloon.

An extension of the airport line from Tsing Yi to Kam Sheung Road would give a direct connection to Hong Kong Island and Chek Lap Kok. Longer term, an East Rail extension to Kam Sheung Road, via the Northern Link, would give access to New Territories East.

A terminus at Kam Sheung Road would be operationally superior to one at West Kowloon and cheaper and quicker to construct, thus making the hoped for 2015-16 completion date a real possibility.