Extensions to Hong Kong Island's rail network were endorsed by the Transport Advisory Committee today.

The Committee backed the Executive Council's views that the MTR Corporation be asked to further plan the West Hong Kong Island Line Phase One from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town, which includes a possible link with the South Island Line.

Committee Chairman Cheng Hon-kwan said the line will extend the Island Line westward by about two kilometres and markedly improve the transport links to Western District.

"The line and South Island Line, when taken together, will form a transport loop joining population and tourism centres, including Ocean Park, with the northern coast of Hong Kong Island. We have urged the Government to aim for more cost effective schemes when taking forward the planning of these two projects."

Members also agreed that the completion of the North Hong Kong Island Line be deferred to beyond 2016, mainly due to the reduction in forecast employment for the Western District and Central reclamation works.

Members noted that the review on Route Seven had been completed and the MTRC will be asked to examine modifications to its preliminary proposal on the South Island Line to find a more cost-effective option, in particular options in railway technology.

The Committee also supported the early introduction of cost effective interim traffic improvement measures for Pok Fu Lam Road.