Attention to Traffic And Transport Arrangements During Christmas Urged

The Transport Department today (December 21) called on the public to pay attention to a series of special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during Christmas to facilitate holiday celebrations.

They are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.

A spokesman for the Department said: "Traffic in shopping areas during Christmas will be busier than usual."

"Moreover, road closures and traffic diversions will take place in districts like Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Many parking spaces on the streets will therefore be suspended. It will be much more difficult for the motorists to find parking spaces."

"As public transport operators will strengthen and extend their services to cater for demand, motorists are strongly urged to give up private cars and make use of public transport services."

On the public transport front, services of more than 150 bus and minibus routes will be extended or strengthened during Christmas.

Both Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwung Tong and Tung Chung Lines) and Kowloon Cantoon Railway (Hung Hom - Sheung Shui) will provide round-the-clock service on December 24. Hongkong Tramways, Peak Tram as well as Light Rail will extend their services on December 24 till early morning of December 25.

Ferry services between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui will also be extended on December 24 while ferry services from Central to Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Yung Shu Wan and Discovery Bay will have additional sailings provided on December 25.

For those who intend to take Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang Cross-boundary shuttle bus during the holiday, they are urged to make their journeys during less busy period in late morning and early afternoon.

"While the number of passengers will increase significantly during public holidays, the service period for the shuttle bus will be 6.30 am to 11.30 pm and will not be extended," said the spokesman.

Intending passengers are advised to call the shuttle bus' enquiry hotline 2471 0792 before departing for the Lok Ma Chau terminus.

The Department also appealed to tourist companies, who feed patrons to the Lok Ma Chau terminus for transfer to the shuttle bus, to evenly spread out their trips throughout the day. This will help reduce their patrons' waiting time for the service.

Transport Department will monitor closely on both local and cross-boundary traffic during the holiday, and prompt action will be taken whenever necessary.

Details of the special traffic arrangements during Christmas are now available from the "Traffic Notices" of the Department's Homepage (http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/notice/specialtravel/specialtravel_index.html).

End/Friday, December 21, 2001.