************************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (August 28) reminded students to attend school early on the first school day next Monday (September 1) as traffic is expected to be busier than normal.
"Students, especially those attending a new school, should familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school and allow more travelling time on the first school day. As bus route rationalisation plans have been implemented in Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin and North District during the summer holidays, the bus services concerned might have been changed. Students living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands should check the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and journey times for their intended ferry trips beforehand," a department spokesman said.
Major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to meet the transport demand on the first school day.
"The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services on September 1. The TD will maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments. Staff will be deployed at various major locations throughout the territory to observe the traffic conditions and provide on-site information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancement when necessary," the spokesman added.
More information may be obtained through the following hotlines and websites of major public transport operators:
Operator Hotline Website
---------- ------- -------
New World 2136 8888 www.nwfb.com.hk
First Bus
Citybus 2873 0818 www.citybus.com.hk
Kowloon Motor 2745 4466 www.kmb.com.hk
Bus and
Long Win Bus
New Lantao Bus 2984 9848 www.newlantaobus.com
New World 2131 8181 www.nwff.com.hk
First Ferry
Hong Kong and 2815 6063 www.hkkf.com.hk
Kowloon Ferry
MTR Corporation 2881 8888 www.mtr.com.hk
Limited
Motorists are advised not to drive to the school areas if possible. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses should not carry excess passengers and leave schoolchildren in vehicles unattended. No picking up and dropping off activities will be allowed at restricted zones. An escort should be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students. Parents should agree well in advance with operators of nanny vans or school buses the locations for picking up and dropping off their children.
Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news on radio and television before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department's hotline at 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.
Ends/Thursday, August 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:02
NNNN
