Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services were generally adequate to meet demand this morning on the first school day today (September 4), the Transport Department (TD) said.

     The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) has been closely monitoring the traffic situation and public transport services since 6.30am today. Staff were deployed to monitor the traffic and transport situation on-site at various major public transport interchanges and school areas to provide latest information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancements or informing the Police regarding traffic direction when necessary.

     As in previous years, the overall road traffic, including the traffic at major trunk roads and cross-harbour tunnels and the traffic in school areas, was busier than usual on the first school day. However, the traffic at major trunk roads and cross-harbour tunnels was generally smooth. For public transport services, MTR and bus services continued as normal.

     "Students are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school as early as possible to determine the most suitable travel patterns," a TD spokesman said.

     The TD will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services, and maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments.

     The spokesman reminded students to allow adequate time for travel and pay attention to road safety. Those who need to take ferries are advised to check in advance the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and the journey times on their intended ferry trips. Meanwhile, in view of possible congestion in school areas, motorists should avoid driving to these areas.

     Drivers of nanny vans and school buses are also reminded to 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. 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.

     The road traffic, especially that on major trunk roads and in cross-harbour tunnels, is likely to become busier. Passenger demand for public transport services will also increase. Members of the public are advised to allow more time for their trips during the morning peak hours.

     Members of the public can obtain the latest traffic and transport arrangements from radio, television or the TD's mobile application "HKeMobility" before leaving home.

     For enquiries on bus, ferry or railway services, please call the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major public transport operators:
 

Operator	Hotline	Website
MTR	2881 8888	www.mtr.com.hk
Citybus	2136 8888	www.citybus.com.hk
Kowloon Motor Bus	2745 4466	www.kmb.hk
Long Win Bus	2261 2791	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	hkkf.com.hk

Ends/Monday, September 4, 2023
Issued at HKT 9:25

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