Traffic smooth on first day of school

Traffic conditions this morning - the first day of school (September 1) - were generally smooth and public transport services were adequate to meet demand.

The Transport Department activated the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre from 6am today (September 1) to monitor closely the traffic situation and public transport services. The Deputy Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Judy Li, visited the Outlying Islands Ferry Piers at Central and North Point Ferry Pier Bus Terminus this morning to observe the public transport services including outlying islands ferry services, bus services and road conditions.

About 80 Transport Department staff were deployed to man the co-ordination centre or to monitor the traffic and transport situation on site at various public transport interchanges and school areas. They provided updated information to the centre to facilitate public transport service enhancement when necessary.

As in previous years, students were reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken and the traffic routeing to school on the first few days of the new school term while the traffic pattern will need some time to stabilise.

The department will continue to monitor closely the traffic situation and public transport services in the coming few days when more schools commence the new school term. There will be close liaison between the department and major public transport operators as well as relevant government departments.

The spokesman reminded students again to allow more time for travel. Students living on the outlying islands or attending schools on 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 in the coming days, motorists should avoid these areas if possible.

End/Monday, September 1, 2003