Transport services on first school days

A Transport Department (TD) spokesman said today (August 30) that as in past years, major transport operators including Light Rail, East Rail, Mass Transit Railway, Kolwoon Motor Bus, New World First Bus, CityBus, New Lantao Bus, New World First Ferry, and Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry had been reminded again to provide adequate public transport services to meet upsurge in transport demand by students on September 1, the first school days, especially those newly opened schools.

TD will activate the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) on September 1 to monitor closely the traffic situation and public transport services. There will be close liaison between TD and major public transport operators as well as relevant government departments. TD staff will be deployed on site at various locations over the territory to observe and provide on site information to the ETCC.

The spokesman reminded students to get familiar with the Light Rail Transit and bus routes to be taken and the traffic routeing to school and allow more time for travel on the first school day, especially if they are attending a new school this term. Students living in the outlying islands or attending schools in the outlying islands are advised to check the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips beforehand.

All major public transport operators provide hotlines and websites to answer public enquiries.

In view of the possible congestion in school areas, general motorists should avoid these areas if possible.

Drivers of nanny vans and school buses had also been reminded to avoid carrying excessive passengers and leaving school children on vehicles unattended.

End/Saturday, August 30, 2003