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Transport Department (TD) has activated the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) to monitor the transport and traffic conditions and to maintain close liaison with KCRC and the bus companies, since the West Rail (WR) officially opened its services to the public from 2 pm today (December 20).

Operation of West Rail and other public transport services has been generally smooth.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, this morning attended the opening ceremony at 10 am at the West Rail Kam Sheung Road station.

A TD spokesman said: "The department has also deployed officers at strategic locations to observe the traffic and pedestrian flow. TD will continue to monitor the traffic and transport conditions in North West NT and maintain close liaison with the transport operators to ensure smooth operation of the West Rail."

All WR stations and Public Transport Interchanges are ready to serve passengers. All feeder franchised bus and green minibus services are all in place today according to schedule, including two new bus routes 701 (Nam Cheong Station - Mong Kok KCR Station) and 971 (Nam Cheong Station - Aberdeen).

No major changes in the external franchised bus service will be implemented in the first two weeks after the formal commissioning. Passengers will be advised on implementation details via announcements of TD and operators.

TD reminded the public to allow time for them to familiarise themselves with the West Rail and to avoid last minute rush in making their journeys.

Saturday, December 20, 2003

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