The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) of the Transport Department (TD) has been escalated to the Joint Steering Mode Operation, the highest tier, from 6.30am today (September 2) to monitor the traffic and public transport services on the first school day. Traffic conditions have mostly been smooth so far.
The Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Angela Lee, visited the ETCC this morning to observe the TD's co-ordination and monitoring work in collaboration with the Police and public transport operators. He was also briefed on the latest traffic conditions of various districts.
Mr Liu said, "The overall road traffic this morning, including that at major trunk roads, cross-harbour tunnels and school areas, was busier than usual, but has generally been smooth. Railway, bus and ferry services remain normal. Special routes serving school areas have resumed service. Cross-boundary students commuting to schools in Hong Kong have also been largely smooth. Public transport services can basically meet the passenger demand."
Ms Lee said, "The TD deployed some 110 staff members for on-site monitoring of the traffic conditions at major public transport interchanges, railway stations, school areas, boundary control points and tunnels across Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories this morning. They reported the real-time situation to the ETCC for arranging service enhancement and liaising with the Police for assistance in traffic dispersion where necessary."
Students are again reminded to familiarise themselves early with public transport routes and their service frequencies to and from their schools to determine the most suitable means of transport, and pay attention to the latest traffic news. The public should allow more time for their trips during the morning peak hours. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to school areas.
Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the media broadcast or the TD's mobile application "HKeMobility" or website (www.td.gov.hk) for the latest traffic news. For enquiries, please call the TD's hotline on 2804 2600 or 1823.
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