The Highways Department today signed an investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement with the Arup-AIS Joint Venture for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon.

The preliminary alignment of the proposed green mass transit system is about 7km long, including viaducts of about 6km in length and a tunnel of about 1km in length.

It will provide convenient and fast transport feeder services to the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong to connect MTR Choi Hung and Yau Tong Stations and major public transport interchanges, offering more commuting options for over 300,000 residents in the uphill areas while reducing the impact of road traffic congestion on their commute.

The Government plans to invite suppliers and operators from the Mainland and overseas to submit expressions of interest in the second half of this year to ascertain their interest and capabilities in the system's construction and operation, and to seek their views on various aspects of the project.

It strives to invite tenders for the construction of the project in 2026 with an aim to award the contract the following year for completion of the works by 2033 or earlier.

There will be eight stations connecting Choi Hung East near MTR Choi Hung Station, via Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat and Ma Yau Tong to Yau Tong East near Yau Tong Station.