*********************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (February 7) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon to facilitate the holding of the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on the second day of the Lunar New Year (February 11).
(A) Traffic arrangements to be implemented for the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
----------------------------------------------------
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on Hong Kong Island from 4pm at the Lower Peak Tram Station, Wan Chai, Central, the Peak and the Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, and from 6pm in Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan in Kowloon, until the crowd disperses and road closure is lifted.
(B) Public transport services arrangements
---------------------------------------------------
(1) Bus and green minibus (GMB) services
In connection with the road closures, some bus and GMB stops will be suspended or relocated. Bus and GMB routes operating in the road closure areas will be diverted. The services of some bus routes will be strengthened.
(2) MTR services
From 6pm to 10.30pm, Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line services will be strengthened to a 3-minute headway and Tung Chung Line services between Hong Kong Station and Tsing Yi Station will be strengthened to a 6.5-minute headway. From 8pm to 10.30pm, Tseung Kwan O Line services will be strengthened to a headway of 4 minutes between North Point Station and Po Lam Station, and to a headway of 12 minutes between Tiu Keng Leng Station and LOHAS Park Station. In addition, West Rail Line services will be strengthened to a headway of 4 minutes from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.
(3) Tramways service
Normal holiday service will be operated and frequency of the tram service will be strengthened to meet passenger demand if necessary.
(4) Peak Tram service
The Peak Tram service will be strengthened to an 8-minute headway to meet passenger demand if necessary.
(5) Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System
The service of the Central to Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System will be extended to 2am on February 12.
(6) Cross-boundary coach services
The terminus of the cross-boundary coach services between Wan Chai and Huanggang at the Wan Chai Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm until the road closure is lifted. The terminating point of the service will be relocated to Hennessy Road eastbound under the O'Brien Road footbridge.
(7) Ferry services
Ferry companies will adjust services to facilitate the holding of the celebration events.
Due to extensive road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of the affected areas would be significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of the Police. Members of the public who plan to go to the affected areas are advised to use public transport services.
The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Motorists and the public are advised to follow the latest traffic news on radio and television.
Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are available at the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). For further queries, please call 1823.
Ends/Thursday, February 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:01
NNNN
