Mid-Autumn Festival special traffic and transport arrangements

     The Transport Department reminded the public today (September 30) that special traffic and transport arrangements would be implemented during the period from October 2 to 4 on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories to facilitate Mid-Autumn Festival activities and the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang.

     To facilitate the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang, there will be road closures and traffic diversions in Tai Hang from 6pm to 11pm daily from October 2 to 4.  Parking spaces in the area will be temporarily closed.

     Road closure arrangements will also be implemented in various parts of Hong Kong Island (such as the Peak, Repulse Bay, Shek O and Stanley) and the New Territories.  Part-time pedestrian schemes and learner driver prohibited zones will be set up.  Car parks, parking spaces, taxi stands and public light bus stands will be suspended.  The Police may adjust the implementation of road closures and traffic diversions, subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions in the areas.

     For public transport services, there will be extension of operating hours, diversions and strengthening of services.  Details are as follows:

- MTR Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (between Hung Hom and Sheung Shui only), West Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line will operate overnight on October 3;

- some Light Rail routes in the Tuen Mun area and Tin Shui Wai area will operate overnight on October 3;

- the peak tram service on October 2 and 3 will be extended to 1am of the following day and 3am of the following day respectively.  The headway of service will be adjusted subject to passenger demand;

- the tram service on October 3 will be extended to 3am of the following day.  The service on October 2 and 4 will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

- special extensions of operating hours, suspension/relocation of bus termini, route diversions and special services will be exercised by bus companies;

- some green minibus (GMB) services will be extended and some routes will be diverted; and

- ferry services will be enhanced according to passenger demand.

     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services so as to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays.   Motorists should avoid driving to the affected areas.  In case of traffic congestion, they should drive with patience and follow the instructions of the Police on site.

     The Transport Department and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures as necessary.  Motorists and the public are advised to pay attention to the latest traffic news on radio and television.

     Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are now available on the department's website (www.td.gov.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:31

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