Adequate transport services on first school day

     The Transport Department today (August 25) said that major public transport operators had been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to meet an upsurge in transport demand on the first school day (September 1).

     "The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services on September 1," a department spokesman said. "The department will maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and  relevant government departments. Staff will be deployed at various locations over the territory to observe and provide on- site information to the ETCC."

     The spokesman reminded students that they should familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken  to school and allow more travelling time on the first school day, especially if they are attending a new school this term.  Students living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands should check the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips beforehand.

     Members of the public can obtain more information through the following hotlines and websites provided by the major public transport operators:

Operator                    Hotline         Website
--------                         -------            -------

New World                  2136 8888   http://www.nwfb.com.hk/
First Bus     
CityBus                      2873 0818   http://www.citybus.com.hk/
Kowloon Motor Bus     2745 4466   http://www.kmb.com.hk
and Long Win Bus
New Lantao Bus         2984 9848   http://www.newlantaobus.com/
New World                 2131 8181   http://www.nwff.com.hk/
First Ferry
Hong Kong                 2815 6063   http://www.hkkf.com.hk/
and Kowloon Ferry

     Motorists are urged not to drive to the school areas if possible.  Drivers of nanny vans and school buses should avoid carrying excess passengers and leaving school children in vehicles unattended.  Parents should agree well in advance with drivers of nanny vans or school buses the location of picking up and dropping off their children.  No picking up and dropping off will be allowed in restricted zones.  

     People are  advised to pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news broadcast by radio and TV stations before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department's hotline at 2804 2600.

Ends/Monday, August 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01