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With the opening of Sai Ying Pun (SYP) Station on the Island Line today (March 29), the Transport Department (TD) Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) monitored the operation of the new railway station, the road-based transport and traffic conditions in the vicinity of the station, and maintained close liaison with the MTR Corporation Limited and public transport operators. The operation of SYP Station and other public transport services in the vicinity of the station was generally smooth up to 4pm today.
"The TD has deployed officers at strategic locations to observe the traffic and pedestrian flow. It will also continue to monitor the transport and traffic conditions in the vicinity of the new railway station and maintain close liaison with public transport operators to ensure smooth operation," a TD spokesman said.
To tie in with the opening of SYP Station, the operating hours of green minibus route No. 45A (Western District (First Street) - Conduit Road (Circular)) has been extended to 10.30pm to assist passengers interchanging with rail services at SYP Station.
Upon the opening of SYP Station, the extended Island Line to Western District is fully commissioned. It is anticipated that there will be changes to the travel patterns of passengers in the district. The TD will continue to keep in view the changes in passenger demand, and implement the public transport re-organisation plan in phases, such as amalgamation of bus routes according to the actual situation, to make it easier for passengers to adapt to the changes.
The TD reminds the public to allow more time to familiarise themselves with the new railway station and to avoid a last-minute rush in making their journeys. The department's ETCC will continue to monitor the transport and traffic conditions tomorrow (March 30).
Ends/Sunday, March 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:18
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