TD reminds public transport operators to provide adequate services on first school day

The Transport Department (TD) today (August 24) said that major public transport operators (PTOs), including railways, franchised buses, ferries and taxis, have been reminded to provide adequate services on the first school day (September 1), enhance service frequencies and deploy standby trains, vehicles, vessels and manpower when necessary to meet passenger demand. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to school areas. A spokesman for the TD said, "We have sought information from the Education Bureau on the location of new schools and students' cross-district commutes to review the neighbouring traffic and transport arrangements. Special routes serving school areas will be resumed. Local franchised bus operators providing services connecting land boundary control points (BCPs) and cross-boundary coach operators have been reminded to provide adequate services for cross-boundary students. We have requested relevant departments to review road works being or to be carried out on major roads to minimise their impact on traffic at the commencement of the new school year." Enhanced surveillance The operation of the TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will be escalated