Special traffic and transport arrangements for Christmas holidays

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 20) reminded the public to take note of the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the Christmas holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations. Members of the public are urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible.

     Road closures and traffic diversions will be in effect in phases from 2pm on Christmas Eve in Central and Causeway Bay. There will also be road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Victoria Park during the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo. Roads in the vicinity of the main shopping and entertainment areas are expected to be busier than usual a few days before the holidays. 

     The MTR Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (except to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau), Ma On Shan Line, South Island Line, West Rail Line and Light Rail Routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will operate around the clock on December 24.

     Some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented during the Christmas holidays. Hong Kong Tramways and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will also provide extended services. In addition, the ferry service between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended during the Christmas holidays.

     The public are advised to make use of public transport and avoid driving to busy areas. If driving is necessary, motorists are advised to drive with care and patience and should be aware that on-street parking spaces will be suspended due to road closures and traffic diversion arrangements. Pedestrians are advised walk on the pavement, pay attention to road safety, be considerate and patient, observe traffic lights and follow advice or instructions given by the Police.

     The TD reminds the public that many public transport passengers are expected to travel via the land boundary control points during the holiday period. Cross-boundary passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider making their journeys during non-peak hours. As the waiting time for public transport services may be longer than usual if traffic at the control points is busy, passengers should observe order and heed advice on-site from the Police and staff of the public transport service operators concerned.

     The TD and the Police will closely monitor local and cross-boundary traffic during the holidays and take appropriate action whenever necessary. The public are advised to keep track of the latest traffic news.

     Details of special traffic and transport arrangements during the Christmas holidays will be available at the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk).