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The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 4,743 complaints and suggestions between July 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005. Among them, 37 were pure suggestions. The total number of cases recorded was an increase of 13.1% as compared with 4,195 cases in the previous quarter.
As in previous quarters, the major areas of complaints and suggestions were related to public transport services (76%), enforcement matters (14%) and traffic conditions (6%).
The number of complaints and suggestions on public transport services increased by 21.7% from 2,979 in the previous quarter to 3,624 in this quarter.
The number of complaints and suggestions on franchised bus services increased from 719 in the previous quarter to 791 in this quarter. Complaints and suggestions on public light bus services increased from 623 in the previous quarter to 749 in this quarter. Cases related to taxi services increased from 1,530 in the previous quarter to 1,783 in this quarter. The number of complaints and suggestions on rail services increased from 85 in the previous quarter to 267 in this quarter. The increase was mainly attributable to more complaints about the audio-visual broadcasting on KCRC trains, which was launched in July, 2005. Cases related to ferry services increased from 13 in the previous quarter to 18 in this quarter.
Complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 357 in the last quarter to 268 in this quarter. Complaints about road maintenance dropped slightly from 103 in the last quarter to 100 in this quarter. The number of complaints about illegal parking and other enforcement matters decreased from 647 to 637.
All the complaints and suggestions received by TCU were referred to the relevant authorities and government departments for follow-up action.
During the period under review, investigations into 4,236 cases were completed. Of these, 2,960 cases (70%) were found to be substantiated, 216 cases (5%) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 1,060 cases (25 %) were not pursuable due to lack of evidence. For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments or public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified.
During the quarter, the relevant government departments and organisations took on board 42 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases where public suggestions have helped to bring about improvements is at the Appendix.
People may make their complaints or suggestions to TCU by dialling the hotline (2889 9999) (voice mail service after office hours), by fax (2577 1858), by e-mail (info@tcu.gov.hk) or by filling in a complaint form downloaded from the TCU web-site (http://www.info.gov.hk/tcu).
Appendix
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Public suggestions taken on board by relevant authorities
(July - September 2005)
I. Public Transport Services
*Add a bus stop at South Lantau Road to facilitate passengers.
*Revise the queuing arrangement at a GMB stand at City Hall to facilitate passengers.
*Remove railings at a GMB stand at Whampoa Estate to facilitate passengers.
II. Traffic Management
*Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at the following locations to alleviate traffic congestion: Hill Road, Lyttelton Road, Nathan Road, Convention Avenue, Tai On Street, Hoi Fai Road, Wo Yi Hop Road, Wan Hoi Street and Wong Nai Chung Gap Road.
*Impose "No Stopping Restriction" at Sin Fat Road and Hak Po Street to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Extend the effective time of the "No Stopping Restriction" at Tat Chee Road and Ma Tau Wai Road to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Delete lorry parking spaces at King Lam Street to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Synchronise traffic lights at Lai Chi Kok Road and Shan Kwong Road to improve traffic flow.
*Add a "Give Way" line and traffic sign at Pine Tree Hill Road to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Add a junction box at Canton Road to prevent vehicle obstruction.
*Add road markings at Siu Sai Wan Road to remind motorists to slow down.
*Add and enlarge traffic signs at Canal Road East to remind motorists of a "Stop" line there.
*Remove a section of steel parapet at the access road from Lower Baguio Villa to Victoria Road to facilitate motorists.
*Relocate a traffic signal pole at Nelson Street to facilitate motorists.
*Install railings at Kok Cheung Street to deter illegal parking on pavement.
*Add signalised crossings at San Shan Road and Cheung Yee Street to improve road safety.
*Add traffic lights at Lee On Road to facilitate pedestrians.
*Modify railings at Prince Edward Road West and Shun Lee Tsuen Road to enhance the sightline of motorists.
*Add a "No U Turn" traffic sign at Yau Tong Road to improve road safety.
*Add warning signs at Wo Hing Road to improve road safety.
*Add a pedestrian crossing at KCRC Tsuen Wan West Station to facilitate pedestrians.
*Modify the method of control of traffic lights at Argyle Street to avoid confusion to motorists.
Ends/Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:04
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