Call for adequate public transport services on first school day
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     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 25) said that major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to cater for transport demand on the first school day (September 1).

     "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 also 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," a department spokesman said.

     Students, especially those attending a new school, are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport services to schools 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 of their intended ferry trips beforehand.

     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      2984 9848       www.newlantaobus.com
Bus

New World       2131 8181       www.nwff.com.hk
First Ferry

Hong Kong       2815 6063       www.hkkf.com.hk
and Kowloon
Ferry

MTR             2881 8888       www.mtr.com.hk
Corporation
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 or leave school children in vehicles unattended. No picking up and dropping off activities will be allowed in 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 of 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 hotline on 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.

Ends/Monday, August 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:47

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