Traffic smooth on first school day

     Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services generally adequate to meet the morning demand on the first school day today (September 1), the Transport Department said.

     The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) closely monitored the traffic situation and public transport services from 6.30am. Staff members were deployed to monitor the traffic and transport situation on site at various public transport interchanges and school areas. They provided update information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancement when necessary.

     "As in previous years, students are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school during the first few days of the new school term to determine the most suitable route and traffic pattern," a department spokesman said.

     The department will continue to closely monitor the traffic situations and public transport services in the next few days when more schools begin the new school term. Close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments will also be maintained.

     The spokesman reminded students to allow more time for travel. Those living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands were advised to check in advance the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips. In view of the possible congestion in school areas, motorists should avoid driving to these areas.

     Drivers of nanny vans and school bus operators were also reminded to drive carefully, especially on steep roads, narrow paths or locations where reverse driving is necessary. Overloading is prohibited and they are not allowed to leave students unattended in the vehicles.

     The road traffic especially in the major truck roads and some cross-harbour tunnels, is likely to become busier as compared with the situation in August. Passenger demand for public transport services will also increase sharply. Members of the public are advised to allow more time for their trips, in particular cross-harbour trips, during the morning peak hours.

     People should pay attention to TV and radio announcements for the latest transport and traffic news before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department's hotline 2804 2600 or government hotline 1823.

     For enquiries on bus and ferry schedules, people can call the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major public transport operators:


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

New World           2136 8888    www.nwfb.com.hk/
First Bus   

CityBus               2873 0818    www.citybus.com.hk/

Kowloon Motor     2745 4466    www.kmb.com.hk/
Bus/Long Win
Bus

New Lantao Bus   2984 9848    www.newlantaobus.com/

New World           2131 8181    www.nwff.com.hk/
First Ferry

Hong Kong           2815 6063    www.hkkf.com.hk/
and Kowloon
Ferry

Ends/Monday, September 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:54