Rationalised RS stopping activities improve traffic flow

Smooth traffic was observed in Wan Chai and Central since the implementation on May 8 of the second phase of the scheme to rationalise the stopping activities of Residents' Services (RS), a Transport Department (TD) spokesman said today (Tuesday).

In the second phase of the scheme, all RS operators have to display on the nearside front window of buses a document showing the routeings and stops of the service approved by TD.

RS buses are also requested to use newly designed RS stops displaying the routes they are allowed to use for boarding and alighting.

Reviewing the effectiveness of the second stage on the first two days of operation, the spokesman said that good order and smoother traffic were seen in Wan Chai and Central districts, particularly, in Gloucester Road in Wan Chai during the morning peak hours and in Connaught Road Central westbound during the evening peak period.

"Most of the RS coaches set down and picked up passengers at the designated stops with only a few failing to do so," the spokesman said.

"We believe that all RS operators, most of which support the scheme to improve traffic flow in Central and Wan Chai districts, and passengers will get familiarised with the new arrangements with a little more time."

To facilitate passengers to get acquainted with the changes in routeings and stops, TD set up an enquiry hotline: 2829 5242 since May 2. So far over 400 enquiries were received by the hotline which operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until tomorrow.

Leaflets outlining the rationalisation scheme were also distributed via District Offices, the RS operators as well as TD's licensing offices.

To get information on the new arrangements, passengers should enquire the RS operators concerned. They may also visit TD's website: http://www.td.gov.hk/.

Since 1998, TD has implemented a series of measures to improve traffic flow including reduction of stoppings of franchised buses and cancellation and diversion of franchised bus routes.

However, traffic condition on the major roads between Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay was still unsatisfactory. Congestion was found at certain section of roads caused by the activities of non-franchised buses, most of which coaches operating residents' services.

After consultation with the Police and the RS operators, TD developed a package of measures which are being implemented in three phases.

The first phase started from March 20 in which all RS operators were required to display on the windscreen of their buses a standard yellow plate showing the route number and the destinations.

In the third phase which will be implemented on May 29, bus clearways will be designated on congested roads to ban unauthorised RS stoppings in the evening peak hours. The restrictions will mean that only authorised RS buses which are issued with permits could stop.

The spokesman said: "These measures would help regulate existing RS operation and enable the Police to identify and take action on illegal activities.

"Unlike franchised buses, RS provide a direct bus service from the place of residence to down town areas and it was not intended that they should be provided with stops at regular intervals like buses.

"In view of the heavy traffic in Central and Wan Chai, there will be little room in future to allow new RS going into these districts.

"However, TD will favourably consider new RS which feed the railway stations in Kowloon and the New Territories in order to encourage efficient use of railways as the backbone of the transport system.

"The community at large would be benefited from the measures as traffic condition would improve and bus journey time would be reduced," the spokesman reiterated.

End/Tuesday, May 9, 2000

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