Borrison/hk-legicost huggingface dataset:
港鐵規模之大，可以追溯到40年前，當時政府進行了一項整體運輸策略。
We can trace the scale of operation of MTRCL back to 40 years ago when the Government launched a comprehensive transport strategy . I have been urging the Government for years to conduct another comprehensive transport strategic study
我多年來一直希望政府能夠再進行一次整體運輸研究，因為第一次的整體運輸研究建議興建地鐵；13年後，第二次的整體運輸研究落實興建機場核心工程及港鐵將軍澳線、西鐵線；在再接着的10年，落實了"鐵路為主"的運輸政策，亦制訂了《鐵路發展策略2000》。
The first comprehensive transport study proposed the construction of underground railway . The second comprehensive transport study was conducted 13 years later and it looked into the construction of MTRCLs Tseung Kwan O Line and West Rail Line . And in the following 10 years the Government implemented a rail - based transport policy and formulated the Railway Development Strategy 2000
這種"零散式"的做法不能對症下藥，亦不能夠對焦。
This fragmentary approach cannot focus on and address the problem
我認為現時本港的交通運輸正面對內部及外部不同程度的問題，亦未能夠適應社會的改變。
In my opinion the transport in Hong Kong is facing internal and external problems of varying degrees and fails to cope with the changes in society
首先在內部方面，本港的社會結構、文化發展、生產方式、市民對生活質素的期望、溝通模式均出現了很大變化。
First internally speaking Hong Kong has experienced substantial changes in its social structure cultural development modes of production peoples expectations towards their quality of life and the modes of communication
港鐵公司以往的載客標準是每平方米站立6人，現時的標準是每平方米站立4人，但我們仍說十分擠迫，因為整個社會的內部結構及市民的要求已經有很大改變。
MTRCL has a standard on its train carrying capacity which has been lowered from six persons per square metre in the past to four persons per square metre at present . But we still find the train compartments very crowded because the internal structure of society and the expectations of the people have changed substantially
外部的大環境亦出現了很大改變，現時社會面對很多跨境交通問題，人們希望實踐"一小時生活圈"的概念，人流、物流、商機都出現不少改變。
Society is facing many cross - boundary transport problems . People want to live out the concept of one - hour living circle . There are major changes in the flow of people and goods as well as business opportunities
因此，我希望政府可以就整體運輸策略進行一次較深入的評估。
I thus hope that the Government can conduct an in - depth assessment on the overall transport strategy
此外，市民希望香港發展成為一個"海綿城市"，一旦發生事故也有很強的恢復力，提升本港整體交通運輸工具的抗逆力。
Moreover people hope that Hong Kong can become a sponge city such that in the event of incidents the city can recuperate quickly so as to enhance the resilience of the public transport in Hong Kong
當然，每個結果也不一定是大家喜聞 樂見的，但兩鐵合併後亦有好處，例如合併後票價即減、轉乘閘機被拆掉，這些都是我們當時看到的好處。
Of course not every outcome is welcomed by us all but the merger has its benefits . For instance the ticket fares were lowered after the merger and the entry and exit ticket gates that separated the two railway systems were removed . These are the benefits that we noticed at that time
在11年後，回望當年，可能有人會批評當年支持合併的人"事後諸葛亮"，但有時候"愛國者導彈"都不及"馬後炮"來得準確，因為"馬後炮"一定十分準確。
In retrospect 11 years later perhaps some people may criticize those supporting the merger for claiming credits in hindsight . But sometimes a patriot missile is not as accurate as remarks made by people in hindsight
然而，我們亦看到"一鐵獨大"帶來的問題，包括現時的工程即使做得不到位，我們也沒有其他選擇，被迫要接受。
However we are also aware of the problems brought by one dominant railway operator in the market . For example we have no other options but accept those sub - standard works projects now
很多議員今天就改革鐵路監管提出了很多建議，對於田北辰議員的建議，我基本上支持。
Many Members today made many suggestions on how to reform the monitoring of the railway . I basically support the proposals made by Mr Michael TIEN
田議員建議港鐵公司主席及行政總裁必須具備工程背景，我覺得此提議表面上合理，擁有工程背景的人一定懂得監察工程。
Mr TIEN suggests that the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of MTRCL should have an engineering background . I think the suggestion is reasonable because people with an engineering background should know how to monitor a works project
這是下情不能上達的文化問題。
This is caused by the culture that discourages upward communication
對於下層出現的問題，上層不能過於苛責。
Punishments meted out by the senior management on subordinates should not be too harsh
只要下層同事是向上層講事實、講道理，而上層也不應過於吝嗇，例如兩位都是會計師。
If frontline staff is willing to tell the truth and be reasonable the senior management should not be too mean
會計師不一定吝嗇金錢，但會計師計算帳目會較精細，遇上問題第一時間取出計算機來計數。
Accountants may not necessarily be parsimonious but they have a detailed mind with the accounts . When a problem arises they will immediately take out a calculator to make a calculation
我希望大家不要對錯焦點，我們未來可能看到港鐵公司物色行政總裁和主席，希望它不要設下這些限制，這是第一點。
I hope Members will not put their focus on the wrong place . MTRCL may recruit its Chief Executive Officer or Chairman in the future . I hope that it will not lay down such a restriction
第二，港鐵公司為何會有下情不能上達的文化？
This is my first point . Second why is there the culture which discourages upward communication in MTRCL?
我相信絕大多數港鐵員工也頗努力，特別是在壞車時，我知道他們通宵達旦不眠不休地維修，我們要給他們一個credit，我們要多謝港鐵的營運或運作有 其優勢和專長，以及有港鐵員工付出的努力，為我們這個城市作出貢獻。
I believe the majority of the MTR staff are working very hard especially when the train is out of order . They often have to fix the problem throughout the night without rest or breaks . We should give them a credit
對市民來說，他們也沒有選擇，因為他們出行一定要乘搭港鐵。
For the public they do not have any alternatives . They have to take the MTR as their means of transport
我希望政府和港鐵公司盡力研究如何令加價方程式回復到合理程度，令港鐵公司不用與市民對立。
I hope that the Government and MTRCL can strive to explore how to restore the formula on fare increase to its reasonable level so that MTRCL will not be put in conflict with the people
其實，重整港鐵管治不止工程那麼簡單，所以我在修正案中提出一個我認為政府一定要做的事項。
In fact restructuring the governance of MTRCL is not simply about the works . That is why I proposed in my amendment a matter that I think the Government should definitely do
我先談一個老大的問題，便是我修正案的最後一點：研究全數回購港鐵。
I will first talk about a major chronic issue which is the last point of my amendment conducting a study on buying back all the remaining shares of MTRCL
出事最主要的原因，是在回歸後港鐵公司承接了很多能力未及的工程，特別是高鐵。
The main reason for things going awry is that since the reunification MTRCL has undertaken many projects in particular XRL that are beyond its ability to accomplish
所以，得出的結果是，港鐵公司基本上沒有足夠的人力和物力，而政府也沒有。
In consequence MTRCL basically does not have enough manpower and resources and neither does the Government
代理主席，我最記得路政署署長每一次前來，也令我們感到荒謬，說得難聽一點，負責興建橋樑的是他、興建中環灣仔繞道又是他、九龍中又是他，接着他來到立法會便談論鐵路出事，真可憐，其實大家也明知他無法處理的，他怎樣管理合共二三千億元的整個鐵路工程，包括最近南港島線、沙中線和高鐵等？
Deputy President it struck me deeply that every time the Director of Highways came here he made us feel ridiculous . To put it bluntly it is him who is responsible for the construction of bridges the Central - Wan Chai Bypass and again Central Kowloon Route . In addition he has to come and discuss the railway incidents in this Council
我不知道有多少議員願意為香港市民釜底抽薪，但如果仍然以現行的做法，仍然以小股東作擋箭牌，香港將會走歹運。
I have no idea how many Members are willing to strike at the root causes for the sake of Hong Kong people but if we continue with the current practice of using minority shareholders as an excuse Hong Kong will be destined for bad luck . Some people say that the buy - back proposal will entail a huge sum of money . Let us do a brief calculation
那便可以置身度外、推諉於下屬了嗎？
Could he then just sit on his hands and pass the buck to his subordinates?
不會這麼容易的，因為如果他為了自己，這些根本上的結構性問題一定要處理。
It would not be that easy because if he strives for his own good these fundamental structural problems must be dealt with
發生問題時，港鐵公司便出錢作回饋，他一樣可以收取1,520萬元。
Whenever a problem occurred MTRCL would fork out money to offer rebates and someone could still receive 15.2 million
主席，我今天發言支持"重整港鐵公司管治"的議案。
President I rise to speak in support of the motion on Restructuring the governance of MTR Corporation Limited today
香港鐵路有限公司為我們興建及營運了11條鐵路線，當中的沙田至中環線大圍至紅磡段能否在明年年中通車，仍是未知之數。
The MTR Corporation Limited MTRCL has constructed and operates 11 railway lines for us . Whether the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section of the Shatin to Central Link SCL among them can commission service in the middle of next year is still uncertain
代理主席，田北辰議員動議的"重整港鐵公司管治"議案，當然值得深思，因為港鐵公司的管治明顯有問題，醜聞不絕，已非始於今天。
Deputy President the motion of Restructuring the governance of MTR Corporation Limited moved by Mr Michael TIEN is definitely worth pondering because it has been so apparent that the governance of the MTR Corporation Limited MTRCL is problematic with scandals after scandals
可是，我仍想與大家分享一下我對港鐵公司問題的看法。
However I still want to share with you my views on MTRCLs problems
事實上，不少上市公司均會將部分業務分拆出來，尤其是明顯牽涉公眾利益的部分。
In fact many listed companies will spin off part of their business especially the part apparently involving public interest
但是，為何沙中線及高鐵的建造工程卻出現這麼大的落差呢？
Yet how come the construction of the Shatin to Central Link SCL and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong Express Rail Link XRL has turned out to be so much different?
其實，問題的癥結在於政府選擇採用委託協議的方式進行。
In fact the crux of the problem lies in the Governments choice of entering into entrustment agreements with MTRCL
這是一種十分奇怪的做法，因為工程承辦商似乎須向港鐵公司負責，也似乎不用向港鐵公司負責；港鐵公司的管理層似乎有管理權，也似乎沒有，因為它還要上報鐵路拓展處委託的工程管理人員。
This approach is rather unusual because it seems as if the contractor is or is not accountable to MTRCL while on the other hand MTRCLs management seems to have or not have the power to supervise the contractor because and it still has to report to the engineers engaged by the Railway Development Office RDO
事實上，在2014年有關高鐵超支問題的報告中已清楚指出港鐵公司權責不清的問題。
In fact MTRCLs problem of unclear demarcation of duties and powers has been expressly pointed out in the report on XRLs cost overruns released in 2014
即使當時港鐵公司董事局的獨立專家報告，亦指出了無論是公司內部文化或權責問題，均影響了一些決定。
And even the report of the independent expert panel appointed by MTRCLs Board has also made the point that some of MTRCLs decisions were affected by either the culture within the company or the problem of unclear demarcation of duties and powers
我們也曾在立法會詢問港鐵公司的工程總監黃唯銘，港鐵公司在執行本身的工作與執行委託協議書的工作時，在管理態度及成效上是否有分別呢？
Besides we had put to Philco WONG the Projects Director of MTRCL a question at the Council meeting Was there any difference between MTRCLs own projects and the projects under entrustment agreements with the Government in management attitude and effectiveness?
因為港鐵公司既要負責建造工程，也要處理物業發展事宜，當中存在角色矛盾的問題。
It is because MTRCL has a conflict of roles in that it is responsible for carrying out construction works and also property management
"由於這是不可能的事，因此便會產生實際矛盾。
As this is simply impossible practical conflicts will arise
港鐵公司於2017年投放在更新及保養資產方面的金額超過80億元，佔同年香港客運業務收入的182億元近44%。
In 2017 MTRCL has invested over 8 billion in upgrading and maintaining its railway assets which is around 44 % of the total revenue of around 18 billion of Hong Kong transport operations
東鐵線服務香港市民，正如陳議員說已有超過100年歷史。
As Mr CHAN Chun - ying mentioned the East Rail Line ERL formerly known as the Kowloon - Canton Railway has served Hong Kong people for over a century
為與時並進，東鐵線一直不斷提升鐵路系統，個別沿線的車站先後進行重建或遷移，列車亦不時進行翻新工程，基建設施包括信號及軌道設備等也不時更新，以配合鐵路現代化計劃。
To keep up with the times ERL has been improving its railway system . The stations along the line had undergone redevelopment or relocation and the trains and infrastructural facilities including signalling and track equipment had also been renewed to tie in with the modernization programme
例如，港鐵公司在2013年將管理東鐵線及馬鞍山線車務運作的火炭車務中心整合到青衣的控制中心作統一管理，以提升整個鐵路網絡的效率。
For example MTRCL integrated the Train Operations Center in Fo Tan which managed train operations of ERL and Ma On Shan Line to the Operations Control Center in Tsing Yi in 2013 in order to enhance the efficiency of the overall railway network
自2014年起，港鐵公司亦在不同的東鐵線車站進行改善工程，包括增加出入口，合併車站大堂，引入較快速的牽引式升降機等，為乘客帶來更方便及舒適的乘車環境。
Since 2014 MTRCL has implemented station improvement work in various ERL stations including adding entrances and exits integrating station lobby installing traction lifts etc to create a more convenient and comfortable environment for passengers
時至今日，東鐵線設14個站，全長約42公里，每日平均服務約100萬人次。
As of today ERL is about 42 km in length with 14 stations carrying around 1 million passenger trips daily on average
東鐵線見證了香港，特別是新界東、北新市鎮的迅速發展。
Indeed ERL bore witness to the rapid development of Hong Kong and in particular the new towns in North and East New Territories
為了配合沙田至中環線的工程，港鐵公司正為東鐵線的信號系統、列車及月台的設施，進行新一輪的提升工程，為市民提供安全、可靠及舒適的服務。
In view of the construction of the Shatin to Central Link SCL a major enhancement project are being undertaken for the signalling system trains and platform facilities of ERL with the objective of providing safe reliable and comfortable services to the public
就陳振英議員的質詢，我的答覆如下： 一 東鐵線整體而言一直運作良好。
My reply to Mr CHAN Chun - yings question is as follows 1 On the whole ERL has been operating smoothly
因機件故障引致事故發生的事件，在每次發生事故後，監管部門均要求港鐵公司詳細查明事故原因，檢討應變計劃，並採取措施避免同類事故發生。
After each of such incident caused by equipment failure the monitoring department would ask MTRCL to look into the cause of the incident and review the contingency plan in the light of the experience gained and introduce measures to avoid recurrence
東鐵線現正進行信號系統更換工程，在新信號系統下，東鐵線的列車班次有能力由現時平均最高約3分鐘一班車，加密至大約2分鐘一班。
ERL is now replacing the signalling system which will enable it to increase the frequency of its service from a maximum average of one train every three minutes at present to every two minutes
港鐵公司會密切留意東鐵線的載客率，包括在沙中線開通後與東鐵線形成"南北走廊"的情況，適時檢討及研究方案。
MTRCL will closely monitor the loading of ERL including the loading upon the commissioning of SCL which will form the North South Corridor with ERL . The Corporation will review and study proposals in this regard in a timely manner
個別可行措施包括在新信號系統下盡量加密班次、加插短途班次行走繁忙車站、透過車站管理措施疏導客流、提供優惠紓緩繁忙時間列車高負荷情況等，以應付未來乘客量的需求。
Specifically to cope with demand generated by future patronage the Corporation may consider feasible measures such as increasing train frequency as far as possible under the new signalling system arranging short - haul trips to run between busy stations easing passenger flow through station management measures and offering fare concessions to alleviate the heavy loading of trains during the peak periods
三 運輸及房屋局計劃根據發展局和規劃署正進行的《香港2030+：跨越2030年的規劃遠景與策略》研究所設定的整體土地規劃，推展《跨越2030年的鐵路及主要幹道策略性研究》。
3 The Transport and Housing Bureau plans to take forward the Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads beyond 2030 on the conceptual spatial requirements to be firmed up under the Hong Kong 2030 Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030 which is being conducted by the Development Bureau and the Planning Department
我們將會根據最新的規劃資料，包括跨境運輸數據，檢視本港2031年至2041年間鐵路和主要幹道等運輸基建的供求，並研究新界西北在2030年以後的重鐵運量。
Based on the latest planning information including cross - boundary transport data RMR2030 Studies will examine the demand and supply of the transport infrastructure including railways and major roads in Hong Kong between 2031 and 2041 and study the loading of the heavy rails in the Northwest New Territories beyond 2030
我們亦會將"明日大嶼願景"的相關規劃研究及策略性運輸走廊的建議納入研究，以及就《香港2030+》研究中建議在較遠期落成的策略增長區所需要的運輸基建進行研究，檢視擬議鐵路及主要道路基建的布局，以確保大型運輸基建的規劃能配合香港整體長遠的土地發展需要；同時亦會檢視相關的運輸基建對現有運輸網絡的影響，擬訂相應的對策。
We will consider the planning studies and the recommended strategic transport corridors in relation to the Lantau Tomorrow Vision as well as look into the layout of the proposed railway and major road infrastructure with regard to the transport infrastructure required for the longer - term strategic growth areas of Hong Kong 2030 Study to ensure that the planning of large scale transport infrastructure can meet the needs of the overall long - term land use developments of Hong Kong
主席，從主體答覆可見，受外界因素影響而導致延誤超過1小時的事故比例相對較高，雖然這類事件發生次數似乎不多，但考慮到對市民造成的困擾，其實1宗也嫌多。
President from the main reply we learn that the proportion of cases of suspension of train service for over one hour due to external factors is relatively high . Although the number of such incidents seems to be small considering the nuisance caused to the public one incident is actually too many
我在主體質詢第三部分問政府會否研究以地下快速鐵路取代東鐵線，因為這樣能減低受惡劣天氣的影響，甚至可因此釋放東鐵沿線土地，請問運輸及房屋局會否將這個選項也放在《香港2030+》的研究範圍呢？
In part 3 of the main question I ask whether the Government will consider embarking on a study on the feasibility to construct as a replacement of ERL an underground express rail because this can alleviate the impact of bad weather and can even release the land along ERL . May I ask whether the Transport and Housing Bureau will incorporate this proposal under the scope of Hong Kong 2030 Study?
主席，《香港2030+》的鐵路和主要幹道研究，是香港全面交通配套的研究。
President RMR2030 Studies under Hong Kong 2030 Study are holistic studies on the transport facilities in Hong Kong
正如陳議員所說，由於東鐵線大部分都在戶外，所以當天氣惡劣，有塌樹情況或架空電纜受影響時，服務便會受延誤。
As Mr CHAN said since a large proportion of ERL is in the open area the service will be suspended due to bad weather fallen trees or damaged overhead power lines
至於能否在鐵路線之下再興建另一運輸設施，我們需要進行一個很詳細的研究。
In regard to whether another transport facility can be constructed under a railway line we need to conduct a detailed study
我想跟局長計算一下。
I would like to do some calculations with the Secretary
現時新信號系統每小時有27班車，舊信號系統每小時有20班車，多了7班車，載客量似乎增加不少。
Under the new signalling system there will be 27 trains per hour whereas under the old signalling system there are 20 trains per hour . With the increase of seven trains it seems that the carrying capacity will also increase substantially
但是，當我們轉化以車廂來作統計，舊信號系統是12節車廂乘20班車，每小時有240節車廂，新信號系統是9節車廂乘27班車，即等於243節車廂，只多了3節車廂的載客量，這如何能解決現時九龍塘及大圍的擠迫情況？
However when we do the calculations in terms of train compartments under the old signalling system 12 train compartments multiplied by 20 trains is equal to 240 train compartments per hour while under the new signalling system 9 train compartments multiplied by 27 trains is equal to 243 train compartments per hour . With only an increase of carrying capacity of three train compartments why can it address the congestion problem during peak hours between Kowloon Tong and Tai Wai?
局長能否在這裏立此存照，表明你的方案一定能解決現時的擠迫情況呢？
Can the Secretary put on record that your proposal can surely resolve the present congestion problem?
第二，在沙中線的東西線開通後亦可有分流的作用，根據我們所作的初步估算，大約會有20%的影響。
Secondly the commissioning of the East West line of SCL can also help divert passenger flow and according to our initial estimation the effect will be about 20 %
陳議員剛才提及的數字是非常準確的，以車廂數目來說，兩者相差並不太多，但透過剛才提到的班次安排和分流效果，我 相信日後對東鐵線沿線居民會有些幫助。
The figures mentioned by Mr CHAN earlier are very accurate . Regarding the number of train compartments there is not much difference between the two systems . But I believe that in future the residents along ERL will somewhat benefit from the train frequency arrangement and the diversion effect that I just mentioned
我們也會留意日後的社會發展，包括人口增長、交通流量和擠塞程度，適時作出跟進。
We will also pay attention to the future social development including population growth traffic flow and the degree of congestion and will follow up the situation in due course
主席，東鐵線每天平均服務100萬人次，過去10年因事故停駛超過1小時的有11宗，市民不希望東鐵線再次發生事故。
President ERL serves 1 million passengers per day on average . In the past decade there were 11 cases of suspension of train service for over one hour due to incidents and the public do not want any further incidents happening on ERL
當然，我們非常感謝鐵路員工對鐵路維修工作的努力，盡量避免發生鐵路事故。
Of course we are very grateful to the railway staff for their efforts in railway repairs with a view to avoiding any railway incident
正如剛才提及，現時東鐵線早上繁忙時段單程客量已經達57800人，十分擠迫，政府說現時東鐵線正在更新信號系統，以及為配合沙中線安裝幕門，並且列車會由9節車廂取代之前的12節車廂。
As mentioned earlier the patronage per hour per direction during the morning peak hours for ERL has already reached 57 800 passenger trips and it is very crowded . According to the Government ERL is now upgrading its signalling system and in view of the retrofitting of platform screen doors at SCL the current 12 - car trains will be replaced by 9 - car trains
我想問政府，沙中線工程現正出現延誤，對東鐵線現時各項設施更新工程有何影響？當局有何應對措施？
I would like to ask the Government what impact the present delay of the SCL project will have on the enhancement project for the various facilities of ERL and whether the authorities have any counter - measures
未來10年，新界東北加上皇后山的發展，差不多會為北區新增30萬人口。
In the coming decade the development of North East New Territories and Queens Hill will bring an additional population of 300 000 to North District
現時東鐵線已經非常飽和，甚至出現超負荷的情況，加上內地人經常來港購物或工作，每天有很多人往返，東鐵線載客需求越來越大。
At present ERL already operates to its full capacity and is even overloaded . As more Mainland people are coming to Hong Kong for shopping or working purpose there are a large number of passengers in both directions and the passenger demand for ERL is getting greater
我想問局長，在這種情況下，局長可否加快研究，能否在北區安排一條直達市區的幹道？
May I ask the Secretary whether he will under the circumstances speed up the study on the feasibility of arranging a trunk road going directly from North District to the urban areas?
因為絕大部分市民也是由北向南到市區上班，希望當局加快有關研究，讓北區的交通問題盡快得到紓緩。
It is because an overwhelming majority of residents in North District travel from north to south to work in the urban areas . I hope that the authorities can speed up the study so that the transport problem in North District can be alleviated without delay
不過，我們也了解到，市民對頭等座位有不同的意見，有不少市民希望能夠繼續保留。
However we also understand that the pubic have different views towards the First Class compartment and not a few among them want it to be retained
我們稍後會與港鐵公司討論頭等車廂的安排。
In due course we will discuss the arrangement on First Class compartment with MTRCL
我多謝大家對新界北區人口增長的關注。
I thank Members for their concern over the population growth in North District of the New Territories
但是，我也想藉此機會向大家指出，香港的公共交通在全球是首屈一指的。
Nevertheless taking this opportunity I would like to point out to Members that the public transport in Hong Kong is second to none in the world
我們的交通政策是以公共交通為本、以鐵路為骨幹，但亦以其他公共交通安排配合。
Our transport policy is underpinned by public transport with railway as the backbone but also with the support of other public transport arrangements
我們希望不同的交通工具都有既定的角色及功能，在各方面的配套下，為香港市民提供一個優質、暢順的公共交通系統。
It is our hope that different means of transport can have different specific roles and functions and they can together with various ancillary facilities provide Hong Kong people with a quality and smoothly operated public transport system
就林議員剛才提及的人口增長問題，我相信在《香港2030+》有關鐵路及主要幹道的研究中定會加以考慮。
Concerning the population growth issue just mentioned by Mr LAM I believe it will surely be considered in RMR2030 Studies under Hong Kong 2030 Study
主席，東鐵線是新界東居民往返市區的主要公共交通工具，不少居住於馬鞍山線沿線地區的居民每天都乘搭鐵路前往九龍東上班。
President ERL is the main means of public transport of the residents in New Territories East for going to and from the urban areas . Many residents living in areas along Ma On Shan Line go to Kowloon East to work by train every day
如果沙中線的鑽石山站、啟德站提早通車，將可以減輕東鐵線 的壓力。
If Diamond Hill Station and Kai Tak Station of SCL can be commissioned earlier . The pressure on ERL can be mitigated
政府有否評估沙中線局部通車在技術上是否可行？
Has the Government assessed the technical feasibility of partial commissioning of SCL?
如可行，最快何時通車以方便新界東居民出行？
If it is feasible when can that section be commissioned at the earliest to the convenience of the residents in New Territories East?
就大家的意見，尤其是沙中線局部開通來紓緩沿線地區居民的交通需求，港鐵公司正在研究中。
As regards the views of Members especially the view on partial commissioning of SCL to alleviate the traffic demand from the residents along that railway line they are now being studied by MTRCL
主要考慮的問題，是局部開通的整體安排可否提供較大的運載能力，而相關的路面交通配套又可否配合得到，以至進行局部開通是否需要作出大型的改動，包括更改信號系統，而且在日後全面通車時，所作的改動又是否需要還原等，這些問題都是要考慮的。
The main issues of our consideration are whether the overall arrangement of partial commissioning of SCL can enhance the carrying capacity whether the related road transport facilities can provide the necessary support as well as whether large - scale alterations including the alteration of the signalling system are warranted for partial commissioning of SCL and whether the alterations need to be restored after the full commissioning in future . All these issues need to be considered
然而，就沙中線局部開通的建議，港鐵公司現時正在研究中。
Nonetheless concerning the proposal of partial commissioning of SCL it is now being studied by MTRCL
我想問當局現時有否為港鐵公司制訂一個時間表，讓市民知道它就現時分段通車的方案進行的研究可何時完成？
I would like to ask the authorities whether they have set a timetable for MTRCL so that the public know when it will finish its study on the present proposal of partial commissioning of SCL
主席，多謝容議員的補充質詢。
President I thank Ms YUNG for her supplementary question
基本上，就沙中線局部開通的概念，在發現了紅磡站的問題之後，港鐵公司已經着手研究。
Basically concerning the concept of partial commissioning of SCL after the problem at Hung Hom Station has been discovered MTRCL already started studying the proposal