Public transport for stargazers

The Transport Department today (Tuesday) urged all stargazers who intend to catch a glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower to make use of public transport instead of driving to the popular viewing points.

A spokesman of the department reminded people that traffic at those view points would be heavier than usual after mid-night daily from now till November 20 while parking spaces at these places were limited.

"In order to meet passenger demand, special bus Route N6X and N973 will be providing service between Stanley and Central and between Stanley and Tsim Sha Tsui respectively early in the morning on November 18," said the spokesman.

"Residents at Hong Kong Island east may make use of N9 plying between Shau Kei Wan and Shek O or N14 for service between Stanley Village and Sai Wan Ho."

"There are two night routes for stargazers to travel from Central to the Peak (N15) and to Ma Hang (N66) respectively on November 18."

"Subject to the actual demand, the service of the Citybus Route 6, 6A, 6X, 73, 260 and 515 and NWFB Route 9, 14, 63, 65, and 66 will be strengthened from now till November 21. The last departure for XHT 973 from Stanley will be extended to 11.30 pm on November 17 and the first departure from Tsim Sha Tsui East moved up to 6 am on November 18," said the spokesman.

"The Transport Department will monitor the traffic situation closely and adjustments will be made whenever necessary. Further information about special bus services can be obtained by phoning NWFB and Citybus hotlines."

Tuesday, November 16, 1999