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The Transport Department and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) would continue to work closely to ensure a safe and smooth traffic flow for the Equestrian Events, the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, said today (July 31) during an inspection of the transport facilities in Sha Tin.
At the University Station, Ms Cheng was briefed by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Alan Wong, and MTRC Deputy Operations Director, Mr Y T Li, on special traffic arrangement and extended train services to cater for spectators' needs during the Events.
MTR's Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, and East Rail train services will begin 3 hours before and end 1.5 hours after every competition event. Connecting free shuttle bus services will also be provided between the University Station and the Equestrian Events at Sha Tin venue two hours before each day's events and 1.5 hours after the end of competition each day.
Ms Cheng said: "With the careful planning and hard work that has gone into the preparation, I am confident that we will be able to cope with extra transportation demand in relation to the Equestrian Events."
"However, last-minute changes may still occur due to uncontrollable factors such as inclement weather which will affect the competition schedule," Ms Cheng emphasised.
"I would like to remind spectators to keep abreast of traffic situations through radio and television announcements during the Events period. In particular, spectators are asked to follow the advice on transport arrangements issued by the TD.
"To make the Events a success, we need the co-operation of members of the public. And I thank everyone for their understanding, tolerance and patience," she said.
Ms Cheng then inspected transport arrangements at Fung Shun Street, Yuen Wo Road and the free bus terminal in the vicinity of the Equestrian Events' Sha Tin venue.
She was pleased to note that advisory signage was set up, posters and leaflets distributed and briefings conducted to inform the public of a number of special traffic arrangements to be implemented in the area for the special occasion.
Ends/Thursday, July 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:14
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