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The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 3,541 complaints and suggestions for the quarter January 1, 2004 to March 31, 2004. Among these, 35 were purely suggestions. The total number of cases fell 7.5% as compared with 3,830 cases in the previous quarter.
As in the previous quarters, the major areas of complaints and suggestions were related to public transport services (70%), enforcement matters (15%) and traffic conditions (10%).
The number of complaints and suggestions on public transport services decreased by 4.2% from 2,568 in the previous quarter to 2,461 in this quarter.
The number of complaints and suggestions on franchised bus services decreased from 782 in the previous quarter to 732 in this quarter. Complaints and suggestions on public light bus services dropped from 500 in the previous quarter to 498 in this quarter. Cases related to taxi services decreased from 1,164 in the previous quarter to 1,142 in this quarter. The number of complaints and suggestions on rail services decreased from 92 in the previous quarter to 68 in this quarter. Cases related to ferry services decreased from 16 in the previous quarter to 10 in this quarter.
Complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 431 in the last quarter to 365 in this quarter. Complaints about road maintenance decreased from 113 in the last quarter to 88 in this quarter. The number of complaints about illegal parking and other enforcement matters decreased from 640 to 537.
All complaints and suggestions received by TCU have been referred to the relevant authorities and government departments for follow-up action.
During the period under review, investigations into 3,593 cases were completed. Of these, 2,430 (67 %) were found to be substantiated, 235 (7%) unsubstantiated, and the remaining 928 (26%) were not pursuable due to lack of evidence. For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments/public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified.
During the quarter, the relevant government departments and organisations took on board 39 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases where public suggestions had helped to bring about improvements is at the Appendix.
Members of the public may make complaints or suggestions to TCU by dialling the hotline (2889 9999) (voice mail service after office hours), by fax (2577 1858), by e-mail (info@tcu.gov.hk) or by filling in a complaint form downloaded from TCU web-site (http://www.info.gov.hk/tcu).
Appendix
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Public Suggestions Taken on Board by Relevant Authorities (January - March 2004)
I. Public Transport Services
*Add passenger shelters at bus stops at Hoi Wang Road to facilitate passengers.
II. Traffic Management
*Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at the following locations to alleviate traffic congestion: Robinson Road, Connaught Road West, Tai Hong Street, Shau Kei Wan Road, Tsing King Road, Western Street, Chuk Yuen Road, Hok Yuen Street, Kai Lai Road, Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Nga Tsin Wai Road, Belcher's Street and Lai King Hill Road.
*Increase the pedestrian green time of traffic lights at Lockhart Road and Argyle Street to facilitate pedestrians.
*Cancel a traffic sign at Fu Yee Road to avoid causing confusion to motorists.
*Shorten railings at Kweilin Street to facilitate loading/unloading activities.
*Add railings at Jockey Club Road and Man Tung Road to prevent jaywalking.
*Add yellow hatched marking and traffic sign outside the Peak Tram Terminal in Central to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Add double white lines at Tung Hei Road to regulate lane-cutting activities.
*Add a traffic sign at Repulse Bay Road to improve road safety.
*Extend the hatched area at Ching Cheung Road to enhance road safety.
*Add a pedestrian crossing at Wing Kwong Street to improve road safety.
*Add a yellow box to prevent vehicle obstruction at the junction of Man Cheung Street and Man Yiu Street.
*Add road markings and enlarge traffic signs at Nim Wan Road to remind motorists of a road bend ahead and to slow down.
*Widen a pedestrian crossing at Nathan Road to facilitate pedestrians.
*Remove one of the emergency crash gates at Fung Cheung Road to facilitate pedestrians.
*Synchronise traffic lights at King Yip Street and Bonham Road to alleviate traffic congestion.
*Relocate temporary barriers at Yau Lai Road to avoid sightline obstruction.
*Widen a safety island at Wah Ming Road to facilitate pedestrians.
*Reduce the sound volume of audible signals of traffic lights at the following locations to minimise disturbance to nearby residents: Mok Cheong Street, Tai Po Road and Po On Road.
*Shorten the double white lines at Kwai Chung Road to facilitate motorists to change lanes.
*Widen the gap between metered parking spaces at Sha Tsui Road to facilitate parking.
*Impose "No Stopping Restriction" at Pok Man Street to prevent vehicle obstruction.
Ends/Tuesday, May 25, 2004
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