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The Transport Department (TD) today (January 29) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon to facilitate the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on the second day of Lunar New Year (February 1).
The arrangements will mainly include:
(A) Traffic arrangements
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Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on Hong Kong Island from 4pm at Lower Peak Tram Station, Wan Chai, Central, the Peak and Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, and from 6pm in Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Kowloon until the crowd disperses and road closures are lifted.
(B) Public transport services arrangements
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(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 the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line services will be strengthened to a three-minute headway; and from 8pm to 10.30pm, Tseung Kwan O Line services will be strengthened to a headway of four minutes between North Point Station and Po Lam Station, and 12 minutes between Tiu Keng Leng Station and LOHAS Park Station. In addition, West Rail Line services will be strengthened to a headway of four 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 eight-minute headway to meet passenger demand if necessary.
(5) Central-Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System
The service of Central to Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System will be extended to 2am on February 2.
(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 their 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 will be significantly congested on that day. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow 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 stay alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television.
Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are available at TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). For further queries, please call 1823.
Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:47
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