The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed at a meeting today (May 29) by the Government on the implementation progress of various recommendations raised earlier by the Audit Commission on the regulation of non-franchised bus operation, and the progress of implementing the measures under the Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS).

     The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Members noted various recommendations on the operation of non-franchised buses raised by the Audit Commission as well as the Transport Department's latest implementation progress in this regard, in particular the measures to streamline the administration of the licensing requirements and strengthen the regulatory controls over unauthorised operations."

     As regards the implementation progress of measures under the PTSS, members noted that the Government completed the PTSS in June 2017 and has been actively taking forward 67 recommended measures under the study, of which 29 measures have been implemented, to enhance the arrangement of the public transport system.

     Mr Kwok said, "Members note that the Government will continue to actively take forward the remaining measures under the PTSS. The implementation of these measures will help reinforce the important roles played by public transport services other than heavy rail, while ensuring that the public can enjoy highly efficient, convenient and diversified public transport services."

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (May 30).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

     The Sales of First-hand Residential Properties Authority (SRPA) today (May 29) reminded prospective purchasers to check the amount of management fees and take this into consideration when assessing affordability before purchasing first-hand residential properties.

     "Prospective purchasers should be mindful that after purchasing first-hand residential properties, property owners will need to pay the management fee and its deposit amounting to the sum of two to three months' management fee on top of mortgage payments and other expenses. Prospective purchasers should also bear in mind that management fee expenses, which could be financially significant to some property owners, are subject to adjustments from time to time," an SRPA spokesman said.

     The Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance does not require vendors to set out the amount of the management fee of each residential property in the sales brochure. For completed developments in which the residential properties are offered for sale, the Ordinance requires vendors to provide the amount that is payable for the residential property in the "Vendor's Information Form". This is because the exact amount of the management fee of an individual residential property will normally be confirmed upon completion.

     As the management fee is one of the issues that a prospective purchaser may consider before making a decision to buy a property, the SRPA has on various occasions encouraged vendors of uncompleted developments to provide the amount of (if available) or an estimated amount or range of the fee in publications or promotional materials other than the sales brochure for reference to prospective purchasers. Prospective purchasers are advised to check with vendors whether they can provide information on the amount of the management fee.

     In addition, the external wall finishes of a development may affect the management fee level. Certain external wall finishes may incur higher management and maintenance costs. The SRPA reminds prospective purchasers to check in the section of "fittings, finishes and appliances" in the sales brochure the type of finishes used for external walls of a development.

     If window wall and/or curtain wall form part of the external walls, prospective purchasers should note that extra expenses may be incurred for their inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repair as gondolas may be used to carry out such works. These additional expenses may have to be shared among the property owners as part of the management fee. Prospective purchasers should also check with vendors whether extra expenses and/or works would be required to maintain, repair or replace air-conditioners of the residential properties.

     "Purchasing a home is not a light issue. Prospective purchasers are advised to take into account every expense involved, including those payable after purchase, when assessing affordability," the spokesman stressed.

     The Home Affairs Department will open 15 temporary night heat shelters tonight (May 29) for people in need of the service.
      
     The shelters will be open from 10.30pm until 8am tomorrow.
      
     For further information, please call the department's enquiry hotline before midnight on 2835 1473.
      
     The 15 temporary night heat shelters are located at:
      
Hong Kong Districts:
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Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex,
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
 
Eastern/Wan Chai –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
 
Kowloon Districts:
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Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices,
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
 
Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
 
Sham Shui Po –
Shek Kip Mei Community Hall
G/F, Block 42, Shek Kip Mei Estate, Sham Shui Po
 
Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
 
Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories Districts:
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Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung
 
North –
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
 
Sha Tin –
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan –
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun –
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
 
Yuen Long –
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long
 
Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai

     The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, today (May 29) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Deputy Secretary-General of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival Organizing Committee and Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV, Ms Yu Xiufen. The Memorandum of Understanding further strengthens cultural exchange and co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai following the signing of the Agreement on Cultural Exchange and Co-operation between the two places in 2012.
 
     Under the Memorandum of Understanding, "Hong Kong Week" will be first held in Shanghai under the platform of the 21st China Shanghai International Arts Festival in 2019, to be followed by "Shanghai Week" in Hong Kong in 2020. Close communication will be maintained to continue discussion on performance details, including the performing schedule and venues.
 
     Hong Kong and Shanghai will continue to work together to foster the development of the arts and cultural sectors, and to promote cultural exchange and co-operation between cultural organisations of the two places, such as cultural troupes, to enrich the cultural life of their people.