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The Transport Department today (August 25) reminded students to attend school early on the first school day next Thursday (September 1) as traffic is expected to be busier than normal.
A department spokesman said, "Students should familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school and allow more travelling time on the first school day, especially if they are attending a new school. Students living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands should check the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips beforehand."
Major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to meet the transport demand on the first school day.
"The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services on September 1," the spokesman said. "The department will maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments. Staff will be deployed at various locations throughout the territory to observe the traffic conditions and provide on-site information to the ETCC."
Members of the public can obtain more information through the following hotlines and websites of major public transport operators:
Operator Hotline Website
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New World 2136 8888 www.nwfb.com.hk/
First Bus
CityBus 2873 0818 www.citybus.com.hk/
Kowloon Motor Bus 2745 4466 www.kmb.com.hk
and Long Win Bus
New Lantao Bus 2984 9848 www.newlantaobus.com/
New World 2131 8181 www.nwff.com.hk/
First Ferry
Hong Kong and 2815 6063 www.hkkf.com.hk/
Kowloon Ferry
MTR Corporation 2881 8888 www.mtr.com.hk
Limited
Motorists are urged not to drive to the school areas if possible. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses should not carry excess passengers or leave schoolchildren in vehicles unattended. No picking up and dropping off activities will be allowed in restricted zones. Parents should agree well in advance with drivers of nanny vans or school buses the location of picking up and dropping off their children.
People 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's hotline at 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.
Ends/Thursday, August 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:31
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