The Transport Department is formulating preliminary options for a New Public Transport Plan in view of the commissioning of KCRC East Rail Extensions later this year.

The department will conduct six forums in Sha Tin to collect public views.

The plan aims to provide a choice of service, enhance efficiency of the transport network, maintain reasonable fare levels, alleviate traffic congestion and bring environmental benefits. It includes adjusting, rerouting, or discontinuing some bus routes.

The East Rail Extensions will link to Tsim Sha Tusi and increase transport capacity along the Ma On Shan corridor. As there will be passengers choosing the rail service, the Government needs to prepare for change in travel patterns in Sha Tin.

The department said there are initially 13 adjustment packages and 16 new concession schemes, as well as other minor changes. Currently, the proposed bus-bus-interchange concession ranges from $2.70 to $5.30.

The direction is to ask service providers to provide concessions as far as possible, so passengers can enjoy new services to reach their destination with the same or lower fares.

It said the target is to confirm the service arrangement in mid-2004, to provide sufficient time for transport operators to re-deploy resources, and for the department to conduct publicity to the public before the commissioning of the new rails.