Transport Department monitors first morning peak situation after MTR TKOL Commissioning

Traffic condition in the Tseung Kwan O (TKO) new town and the TKO Tunnel was observed to be smooth in general in the morning peak 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 has activated the Emergency Transport Coordinated 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 morning saw for himself the public transport service situation in Tseung Kwan O, including 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% of TKO residents are within walking distance to TKOL Stations, the need for taking bus services from TKO is expected to reduce," the TD spokesman said, adding: "It was observed that some bus passengers had changed to use MTR during the morning peak hours."

The Department 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.

Transport Department will continue to monitor the traffic and transport conditions in TKO and maintain close liaison with the transport operators concerned for the rest of the day and in the coming period to ensure smooth operation of the TKOL and smooth implementation of the public transport service changes.

Transport Department reminded the public again that to allow time for them to familiarize 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