[flute]

I often wonder why is SaiKung doesn't have a ferry to HK side? I image it would be a very nice way to go to work on island side, a good way to avoid the risk of traffic jam on the single lane road. Anyone knows why?

[jimbo]

Time and cost I'd guess, won't exactly be quick.

[hkjudy]

Yes - would be wonderful, wouldn't it? I think it would certainly cut down on the traffic on weekends .....one way of reducing the "need" assumed by the Highways Dept for a wider road into SK. However - I understand that it has been "studied" and found not to be cost effective. Now....I wonder who "studied" it - maybe the Highways Department (who have a vested interest in more and bigger roads)? Somethnig I might check out....

Judy at Explore SK

[fm7]

Originally Posted by jimbo

Time and cost I'd guess, won't exactly be quick.

Agree. For a lot of the trip, the ferry would have to travel at a slower speed along the harbour.

[flute]

Dear Judy,

Yes, will be real good to look into the study again!

First at all, don't know when was the study done? Sai Kung has become more popular in recent years both on residential and tourist side. The need may has been changed.

Secondly, don't know if developmental potential has been counted in the study? If traffic problem can be solved, Sai Kung will attract more people to move in. and if come to Sai Kung involves nice ferry ride with not much hassel, i image it will be a very attractive idea for visitors to also see the natural side of Hong Kong.

Third, don't know if the environmental benefit has been count in as boat will save so much auto fame on the way.

So yes, would be real good to have a look into the ferry idea again!

Flute

[rkhl]

The wait for transportation from saikung town center out to the city during weekends and holiday is a serious fun buster.
It is a sweet idea sailing into the sun set on a slow boat back to town.
However, proposed ferry ride would probably takes at lease 1 hr from pier next to town center back to tst / central. With the high fuel cost these days it would be a business suicide to run a ferry loaded w/ passangers on the way out, and empty back to saikung.
Best lets do a trial run.

[kombuchakid]

If you take a junk or similar gin palace from Central to Sai Kung it takes 2 to 2 and a half hours, and once you leave Lei Ye Mun it is serious stomach churning seas till you get some shelter especially in winter. Not something to do as a daily commute.
There was once a water taxi from Central to Taikoo Shing-great fun but could not compete with the then newly opened Eastern Corridor.
HK people just love their tarmac.

I always thought that Sai Kung types liked their aloofness and just barely tolerated the opening up of the Ma On Shan route into Shatin.

[anso]

Great idea about the ferry!
And besides, if they also constructed a good bicycle lane from Tsuen Kwan O via Sai Kung and the country park all the way to Ma On Shan I think a lot of people could take the bike to work, school or for a nice day at the country side!
That would definitively reduce traffic jam on week days as well as week ends.

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by anso

And besides, if they also constructed a good bicycle lane from Tsuen Kwan O via Sai Kung and the country park all the way to Ma On Shan I think a lot of people could take the bike to work, school or for a nice day at the country side!

I know it sounds like a wonderful idea but reality is for 10 months of the year no-one would seriously be using a cycling lane to ride to work and back - just think heat and humidity!

[Skyhook]

Speaking as an Ex Sai Kunger, I can tell you that the developers and crowds are spoiling a once quiet hamlet. Personally I think they should charge a TOLL at each end of Hirims Highway of $100HKD, to reduce traffic numbers, residents excluded from the toll of course.

I absolutely disagree about the ferry idea, what a ridiculous idea. Bring even more people to the area, as an extra mode of transport.. You won't reduce the traffic on the road in the slightest.

If Sai Kung isn't careful, it will quickly be transformed into just another HK crowded location, which will really irritate those of us who purchased live in property there, to escape the city mentality. Judging by the shamozzle of a village housing development on the lhs after the Fuk Man road round about ( past Anthony's catch ) It's looking like, it's well on its way to being "developed"..... HK style.....

Nup, the people of HK are on a mission to totally lose all that is attractive to the eye on a town planning point of view, until its all covered in concrete, more neon signs installed, public space surrounded by bollards, and the ugly installation of metal sidewalk/footpath barriers, that seem to be a HK/UK obsession.

Anyway, I am disappointed that the few places HK has left, that are quite and nice, are just going to end up ruined in the not to distant future.

Atleast Shek O residents fiercely stood up to the developers and banned real estate agents/property developers from opening/operating branches in the area.... Sai Kung should have done the same, exercising some responsible control..