Adequate public transport for first school day

There will be adequate public transport services to meet upsurge in transport demand by students on the first school days.

A Transport Department (TD) spokesman said that as in past years, major transport operators had been reminded to have standby buses/ ferries to meet upsurge of student demand on the commencement of the new school term.

On September 1 and 4, TD will activate the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) to monitor closely the traffic situation and public transport services. There will be close liaison between TD and the major public transport operators as well as relevant government departments. TD staff will be deployed on site at various locations over the territory to observe and provide on site information to the ETCC.

The spokesman reminded students to get familiar with the public transport routes to be taken and the traffic routeing to school and allow more time for travel on the first school days, especially if they are attending a new school this term. All major public transport operators have hotlines and websites to answer public enquiries.

"In particular, students living in the outlying islands or attending schools in the outlying islands are advised to check the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips beforehand," he said.

"In view of the possible congestion in school areas, general motorists should avoid these areas if possible. They should also familiarise themselves with the routeings and to avoid prolonged kerbside activities if they need to go to these areas," the spokesman said. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses had also been reminded to drive with care and patience and not to leave school children on vehicles unattended.

For enquiry on bus and ferry schedules, the public may phone up the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major bus and ferry operators:

End/Tuesday, August 29, 2000

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