Various public transport operators, including the MTR Corporation Limited (MTR), franchised bus operators and Hong Kong Tramways, provided free rides for the public today (December 19). Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services were generally adequate to meet demand today, said the Transport Department (TD).

     Since 7am today, the TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre has been closely monitoring the traffic situation and public transport services, and coordinate with government departments and public transport operators to meet passenger demand by making timely service adjustments. 

     In response to the higher than usual passenger demand and actual traffic conditions, the public transport operators have enhanced services for busier routes and during peak periods. All MTR lines (except Airport Express) have enhanced services during specific hours. The franchised bus operators have arranged around 1 300 special departures on certain routes to and from popular spots (including Sai Kung, South Lantau, Shek O, etc). Tram services maintained normal. Besides, the operators have altogether deployed more than 600 frontline staff to provide assistance in maintaining the waiting and boarding order at major platforms of MTR stations, bus stops and tram stops. Crowd control and safety measures were implemented at relatively congested locations during peak hours.

     Once again, the Government appreciates the special arrangements made by the public transport operators and their staff members today.

Ends/Sunday, December 19, 2021
Issued at HKT 23:50

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