Redeployment of Buses from Congested Areas

As part of the Transport Department's ongoing programme to improve the efficient use of bus resources and reduce traffic congestion in busy areas, agreement has been reached with two franchised bus companies for the latter to redeploy 32 of their buses currently operating in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to serve passengers in the New Territories starting from February 1.

New World First Bus (NWFB) which has recently been awarded the bus package in the Tseung Kwan O new development area will commence the first phase of their bus service in the area from February 1 by redeploying 18 buses on two new routes serving Tseung Kwan O (route 796X plying between Tseung Kwan O [Tong Tak Street] and Hung Hom Ferry Concourse and a circular route 796M plying between Tseung Kwan O [Tong Tak Street] and Lam Tin MTR Station). On the other hand, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) will redeploy 14 buses for service improvements in nine routes serving New Territories West.

Speaking on the redeployment of buses, a Transport Department spokesman said the measures would reduce buses on congested roads in Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok and Kwun Tong as well as help improve services in the NT.

"The re-allocation of buses would also result in better utilisation of resources," he said, adding:"The buses would be deployed from existing Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and cross-harbour routes which have spare capacity."

He said the Department would continue to discuss with all the major bus companies on rationalisation of bus routes to facilitate better matching of supply and demand and to reduce congestion on busy corridors.

At the same time, the Department is working closely with the bus companies to develop bus-bus interchange schemes which would enhance bus utilisation and help reduce demand for long haul bus routes.

Monday, January 31, 2000