Students reminded to attend school early on first school day

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 30) reminded students to attend school early on the first school day (September 1) as traffic is expected to be busier than normal.
 
     "Students, especially those attending a new school, should familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school and allow more travelling time on the first school day. Students living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands should check the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and journey time for their intended ferry trips beforehand. Students are also reminded to pay attention to road safety when attending school," a department spokesman said.
 
     Major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to meet the transport demand on the first school day.
 
     "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 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 enhancement or informing the Police for traffic regulation when necessary," the spokesman added.
 
     More information may be obtained through the following hotlines and websites of major public transport operators:
 

 
     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. 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 for 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 department hotline on 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.