A lawmaker on Monday expressed concern about the cost effectiveness of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen smart and green mass transit system.

Unveiled in the 2023 policy address, the system will feature three routes: between Nai Wai and Chung Fu; between Lau Fau Shan and Tin Shui Wai MTR station; and between the Yuen Long south new development area and Tin Shui Wai station. The government aims to invite tender for the project next year.

With most of the 16km system running on dedicated roads, lawmaker Gary Zhang expressed concern about overall cost effectiveness and capacity.

"This system in Hung Shui Kiu, a majority of it, let's say 70 to 80 percent are dedicated roads. But as the whole system is a straight path, its capacity is restrained by junctions that are not dedicated for it," he told an RTHK programme.

"In terms of cost effectiveness, by using dedicated roads, it's a huge investment, as they occupy road space and require additional cost for construction."

Instead of having dedicated roads, Zhang suggested running buses as an alternative.

He added that he will meet with the government to learn more details about the scheme.

Speaking on the same programme, a project manager with the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Benjamin Chan, said it will make use of technology to enhance passengers' experience.

"We will be more considerate – the vehicles that we will be using will adopt a low-floor design, so as to have a more convenient arrangement for passengers to get on and off," he said.

"There will also be a comfortable waiting environment where every station will have shelters, so that passengers can wait for vehicles more comfortably."