A 30-year franchise for the finance, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Tung Chung Cable Car System is set to be granted by the Government.

The Tung Chung Cable Car Bill was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 12.

The Government made a provisional agreement with the MTR Corporation last July to take forward the project, and is now looking to enact the enabling legislation and work with the MTRC to prepare a project agreement.

The proposed legislation grants the franchise to the MTRC or its wholly-owned subsidiary. Operation and safety standards will be regulated through the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 211).

The Bill also grants the franchisee the statutory right to occupy the land without being granted any land title, and the right to grant licences and collect associated licence fees for the use of commercial areas and operate carparks at Tung Chung and Ngong Ping terminals.

The Legco Panel on Economic Services and the MTRC have been consulted on the proposals.

Upon completion August 2005, the cable car will be a spectacular tourist attraction to draw more visitors to Lantau.