**********************************
Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services were generally adequate to meet the morning demand on the first school day today (September 1), the Transport Department said.
The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) has been closely monitoring the traffic situation and public transport services since 6.30am. Staff were deployed to monitor the traffic and transport situation on site at various public transport interchanges and school areas. They provided updated information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancement when necessary.
"As in previous years, students are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school during the first few days of the new school term to determine the most suitable route and traffic pattern," spokesman said.
The department will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services in the next few days when more schools begin the new school term. Close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments will also be maintained.
The spokesman reminded students to allow more time for travel. Those living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands are advised to check in advance the ferry schedules and the vessel types to be used on their intended ferry trips. In view of possible congestion in school areas, motorists should avoid driving to these areas.
Drivers of nanny vans and school bus operators are also reminded to drive carefully, especially on steep roads, narrow paths or locations where reverse driving is necessary. Overloading is prohibited and they are not allowed to leave students unattended in the vehicles.
The road traffic, especially on major trunk roads and in some cross-harbour tunnels, is likely to become busier as compared with the situation in August. Passenger demand for public transport services will also increase sharply. People are advised to allow more time for their trips, in particular cross-harbour trips, during the morning peak hours.
People should pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news on radio and television before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department's hotline 2804 2600 or 1823 Call Centre.
For enquiries on bus and ferry schedules, people may call the following hotlines or visit the websites of the 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 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
Ends/Thursday, September 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:10
NNNN
