Transport Department ready for Paralympic Equestrian Events

     The Assistant Commissioner for Transport (New Territories), Miss Cindy Law, today (September 4) appealed to spectators heading for the Paralympic Equestrian Events to use rail transport and interchange with the free shuttle bus services provided by the Equestrian Company at University Station.

     She said that the traffic and transport arrangements for the Paralympic Equestrian Events would be similar to that for the Olympic Equestrian Events.  Taxis and private cars would be prohibited from directly accessing the venue.

     "The Equestrian Company has, via the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, arranged 18 rehabuses for wheelchair spectators. They can make advance booking for the rehabus service between their hotels / places of residence and Yuen Wo Road outside the venue by phone (8204 2008), fax (2717 8910) or email (booking-rehabus@rehabsociety.org.hk).

     "The Transport Department will also consider issuing permits to allow organisations which need special care to conduct pick up / set down activities at Yuen Wo Road outside the venue, subject to the traffic situation," Miss Law added.

     The pick up / set down point for coaches / private cars / taxis will be designated at Fung Shun Street and Tak Hau Street in Wo Che Estate. It takes about 15 minutes for spectators to walk to the venue.  Spectators are advised to arrive early, preferably around two hours before the events, to allow time for security screening at the venue.

     The operation hours of MTR East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line will be adjusted to match the starting and finishing times of the events.  Details of the service adjustment can be found on MTRCL's website (www.mtr.com.hk) or via its hotline at 2881 8888.

     Miss Law noted that the traffic in the vicinity of University Station was busy during the Olympic Equestrian Events period.  Traffic queues sometimes extended to Tolo Highway.

    "It is anticipated that the traffic flow will be busy after the commencement of the new school term.  The public should make use of the public transport services and avoid going to the affected areas during the Paralympic Equestrian Events period," she said.

     If driving is unavoidable, motorists are advised to plan their routes carefully, use alternative routes and allow more time to cater for unexpected delays.

     The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will operate under the Joint Steering Mode and work in co-operation with the Police, public transport operators and other relevant parties to closely monitor the traffic and transport situation during the Paralympic Equestrian Events period.  Contingency traffic control measures will be implemented together with the Police if necessary.

     If a scheduled event is delayed or postponed due to inclement weather or other unexpected situations, the implementation of the special traffic and transport arrangements will be adjusted accordingly.

     Members of the public are advised to watch out for the latest traffic and transport news broadcasts on TV and radio stations.

     They can also find the latest updates on the Transport Department's website at www.td.gov.hk or call its hotline 2804 2600.  The Equestrian Company's hotline at 2107 9955 and its website at www.equestrian2008.org will also be updated.

     Details of the major traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented for the Paralympic Equestrian Events are summarised in the Annex.

     In addition, with effect from September 15, 2008, the prohibited zones designated in the slow lane of Pak Hok Ting Street and Yi Ching Lane outside Royal Park Hotel will be rescinded. At the same time, the pavement at Pak Hok Ting Street outside Royal Park Hotel will be reopened. The suspended bus and GMB stops at Pak Hok Ting Street outside Royal Park Hotel and the suspended taxi stand on Yi Ching Lane outside Royal Park Hotel will resume operation. The temporary bus and GMB stops on Pak Hok Ting Street outside Sha Tin Park will be cancelled.

Ends/Thursday, September 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:50

Attachment: Major traffic and transport arrangements for Paralympic Equestrian Events