Transport Department monitors traffic and transport services in TKO

Traffic condition in the Tseung Kwan O (TKO) new town and the TKO Tunnel was observed to be smooth in general on the first working day after the commissioning of the MTR TKOL on August 18. Adequate public transport services were provided to meet passengers' needs.

Transport Department (TD) has activated the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) to monitor the transport and traffic conditions and to maintain close liaison with MTRCL, the bus companies and green minibus bus (GMB) operators concerned to ensure adequacy of service level and smooth passenger flow.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, this (August 19) morning visited Tseung Kwan O to see for himself the operation of some of the public transport interchanges and MTR stations. The department also deployed officers at strategic locations to observe the traffic and pedestrian flow. The ETCC received regular reports on the latest situation.

"Since about 80 per cent of TKO residents are within walking distance to TKOL Stations, the need for taking bus services from TKO is expected to reduce," a TD spokesman said, adding:" We have seen passengers switching to take MTR services, but we need to observe some more time before we can have a clear picture."

TD noted that some MTR passengers were not all familiar with the new ticket gate and train interchange arrangements and MTRC staff were deployed to assist passengers at the stations. TD will keep on alert and continue monitoring

TD will again activate the ETCC tomorrow (August 20) to ensure smooth operation of the TKOL and the public transport services.

TD reminded the public again that to allow time for them to familiar with the TKOL and the revised public transport arrangements in TKO, they should avoid last-minute rush in making their journeys.

End/Monday, August 19, 2002