Pilot version of Driving Route Search Service launched

******************************************************

     The Transport Department's (TD) pilot version of the Driving Route Search Service (DRSS) was launched today (April 27) to help motorists to plan their trips in advance through point-to-point route search on the Internet.

     The DRSS will suggest the driving route with the shortest travel time, the lowest toll and the shortest distance, accompanied by a map display.

     "This is our first application of the Intelligent Road Network (IRN) newly developed by the TD on the Internet. With regular updating of information on the IRN, the DRSS suggest the driving route based on the latest data in the IRN," said the Assistant Commissioner for Transport (Technical Services), Mr Tsang King-man, when introducing the new service.

     Mr Tsang said that the travel time of the suggested route is an estimate based on previous statistics and the latest information collected by traffic detectors on roads, if applicable. It is meant for reference only and may not represent the travel time to be taken by motorists at any time.

     If the route searched involves a cross-harbour journey, the DRSS will further provide information on the three cross-harbour routes, including the estimated travel time, distance and toll for motorists' consideration.

     "The new service is still in the pilot stage, aiming to collect users' feedback. Similar to other searching systems, the service needs time for refinement. We welcome more feedback to further enhance the service," said Mr Tsang.

     Apart from the said functions, the DRSS also provides other information, such as no-stopping restrictions, vehicle restrictions, major carpark locations, as well as ad-hoc special traffic news and special traffic and transport arrangements for planned events, that may be related to the suggested route for users' reference.

     Mr Tsang added, "There may be cases that the locations given by the DRSS are not the ones commonly used for vehicular access since such vehicular access information is still being collected. If the members of the public find the recommended locations not appropriate for vehicular access, please inform us for our revision of data and continuous service improvement."

     The public may go to drss.td.gov.hk for a trial of the DRSS pilot version. Enquiries or comments to the DRSS can be made by calling 1823 or emailing tdenq@td.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:15

NNNN