Special traffic and transport arrangements for Christmas and New Year holidays
The Transport Department today (December 22) reminded people to take note of the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the Christmas and New Year holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations.
People are advised to make use of public transport services as much as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
"Traffic in shopping areas during the period will be busier than usual," a spokesman for the department said.
"Moreover, road closures and traffic diversions will be in effect in districts like Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Many parking spaces on the streets will be suspended and it will be much more difficult for drivers to find parking spaces.
"As public transport operators will augment and extend their services to cater for extra demand, motorists are strongly urged to leave their cars at home and make use of public transport instead."
On the public transport front, some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
As for trains, the Mass Transit Railway (Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tsueng Kwan O and Tung Chung Lines) and the Kowloon-Canton Railway East Rail (East Tsim Sha Tsui - Sheung Shui), Ma On Shan Rail, West Rail and Light Rail Routes 507, 614P, 615P, 705 and 706 will operate around the clock on December 24 and 31.
On the same two days, Hongkong Tramways, the Peak Tram and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will provide extended service, while ferry services between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended, with additional sailings scheduled. On December 31, MTR Disneyland Resort Line will extend service to 3am of the following day.
For those who intend to take Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus or the six Hong Kong-Huanggang cross boundary coach routes with fixed schedules and stopping points during the holidays, the Transport Department reminds passengers to plan their journeys and to travel by rail via Lo Wu Control Point as far as possible.
Many passengers are expected to travel via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point during the holidays. Passengers are advised to make their journeys during the less busy periods in late morning or early afternoon. As the waiting time for the cross-boundary bus services could be longer if traffic at the Lok Ma Chau crossing is busy, intending passengers should observe order and advice from the on-site staff. Passengers are advised to pay attention to radio/TV broadcast on traffic conditions.
The Transport Department will closely monitor local and cross-boundary traffic during the holidays and take appropriate action whenever necessary.
Details of special traffic arrangements during Christmas can be found in the "Traffic Notices" on the department's homepage www.td.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, December 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:39