TD's ETCC will be activated on September 1 and 3

In order to ensure smooth public transport for the commencement of the new school term on September 1 and 3 (Saturday and Monday), the Transport Department (TD) will activate the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) from 6 am on both days to monitor closely the traffic situation and public transport services.

There will be close liaison between TD and major public transport operators as well as relevant government departments. About 100 TD staff will be deployed altogether on the two days to man the Centre or to monitor the traffic and transport situation on site at various public transport interchanges and school areas. They will provide updated information to the Centre for arranging public transport service enhancement if necessary.

A TD spokesman said today (August 30) that as in past years, major transport operators had been reminded to have standby buses/ ferries to meet upsurge of student demand on the commencement of the new school term. They will also deploy field staff to closely monitor the demand and service provision. Nanny van and school bus operators are reminded to liaise with parents and schools for conveyance of students to and from schools, pay attention to traffic conditions and drive carefully.

The spokesman reminded students to get familiar with the public transport routes to be taken and the traffic routeing to school and allow more time for travel on the first school day, especially if they are attending a new school this term.

"In particular, students living in the outlying islands or attending schools in the outlying islands are advised to check the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips beforehand," he said.

The spokesman said major government works departments have been requested to avoid commencement of repair or utility works as far as possible on roads leading to major school areas on the new school term commencement dates. In addition, traffic Police has been requested to monitor those road junctions or sections which are expected to suffer traffic congestion during school hours.

"In view of the possible congestion in school areas, general motorists should avoid these areas if possible. They should also familiarise themselves with the routeings and to avoid prolonged kerbside activities if they need to go to these areas," the spokesman said. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses had also been reminded to avoid carrying excessive passengers and leaving school children on vehicles unattended.

For enquiry on bus and ferry schedules, the public may phone up the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major bus and ferry operators:

End/Thursday, August 30, 2001