The Transport Department (TD) today (August 26) said that major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to cater for the 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 department 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 enhancements or informing the Police for traffic regulation when necessary," a department spokesman said.

     Students, especially those attending a new school, are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to schools and allow adequate travelling time on the first school day. Students who need to take ferries should check the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and the journey time of their intended ferry trips beforehand. Students are also reminded to pay attention to road safety when attending school.

     More information may be obtained through the following hotlines and websites of major public transport operators:
 

Operator	Hotline	Website
MTR Corporation Limited	2881 8888	www.mtr.com.hk
New World First Bus	2136 8888	www.bravobus.com.hk
Citybus	2873 0818	www.bravobus.com.hk
Kowloon Motor Bus	2745 4466	www.kmb.hk
Long Win Bus	2261 2791	www.lwb.hk
New Lantao Bus	2984 9848	www.nlb.com.hk
Sun Ferry	2131 8181	www.sunferry.com.hk
Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry	2815 6063	www.hkkf.com.hk

  
     Motorists are advised not to drive to the school areas if possible. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses should drive carefully, especially on steep roads, in narrow lanes or at locations where driving in reverse is necessary. Speeding and overloading are prohibited and they are not allowed to leave students unattended in the vehicles. They should also keep their vehicles clean and hygienic, and enhance disinfection to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Nanny van operators should obtain prior approval from the TD for each served school by nanny van. An escort should be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students. Drivers and escorts should ensure that all students are properly wearing their seat belts (if provided) before the vehicles move off. Parents should agree well in advance with schools and operators of nanny vans or school buses on 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 TD's hotline on 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.

Ends/Friday, August 26, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:30

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