Kai Tak operator calls for beefed up transport links
The operator of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal says a more "robust" transport network is needed to accommodate cruise passengers.  Jeff Bent, the managing director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals, made the comments after it was announced that Asia's largest cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas, will use Hong Kong as its home port from next year. The vessel made a stopover in the SAR last Friday - the first time since the resumption of travel here. The Tourism Board welcomed the return of the cruise liner, saying it will help consolidate the city's position as a cruise hub in Asia.  Speaking to RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme, Bent said it was excellent news, saying that many Hong Kong residents had fond memories of taking holidays on the cruise ship during the pandemic. He said they expect over 140 ships to berth at the Kai Tak Cruise terminal this year, but warned that transport links around the cruise terminal were weak, with only a single access road, no train station, and insufficient taxis. He said their main recommendation was to open up the vacant lot next to the terminal and allow locals to park their cars there. "Many Hong Kong people, through polls that we took, would like to drive themselves and park, and then take the cruise, and then drive themselves out. That reduces the strain on the taxi supply because the people from out of town get all the taxis if more of the local people can drive themselves to and from [the terminal]," Bent said. "There's a vacant lot next to the cruise terminal, that could be used for parking almost instantly, rough parking to be sure, but it could be available instantly, and that would immediately allow more convenience for local passengers." He also recommended building a hotel near the terminal to reduce traffic around the terminal, along with ferry connectivity, and providing a monorail as an alternative to entering the terminal instead of everyone entering via one single road.