Hong Kong Prepares for Back-to-School Rush: Transportation Officials Urge Travelers to Plan Ahead

With the new school year starting on Monday, September 2nd, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau, led by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Frank Lam, is gearing up to manage the expected increase in traffic. To ensure a smooth commute for students, parents, and other road users, the Transport Department has coordinated with other government agencies and public transport operators. Secretary Lam has urged everyone to plan their journeys in advance, as traffic congestion is anticipated to be heavier than usual on the first day of school. The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Coordination Center will operate at its highest level of joint supervision, collaborating with the police and public transport operators to monitor traffic and transport service conditions in real-time. The department has also been working closely with the Education Bureau to understand the arrangements for new school districts and cross-district schooling, ensuring smooth travel for students. To accommodate cross-border students, the Transport Department has reminded local franchised buses and cross-border bus operators to monitor passenger volume and service conditions, ensuring sufficient services are available. In addition to these measures, the Transport Department will deploy staff to key areas, including traditional school districts, major public transport interchanges, land crossings, and tunnels, to gather real-time information and report it to the coordination center. The department will also adjust traffic light timings and coordinate with the police to manage traffic flow. The coordination center will provide regular updates to the public on traffic conditions and incidents. The Transport Department will also reinstate special school district routes and has instructed major public transport operators to provide sufficient services, including additional bus and ferry services to meet the increased demand. Secretary Lam urged students, especially those attending new schools, to familiarize themselves with their transportation routes and plan for sufficient travel time. He also addressed concerns regarding the new traffic arrangement at the Kwun Tong Wai Yip Street/Hoi Yuen Road junction, assuring the public that the Transport Department is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust traffic light timings accordingly. The department will continue to work with the relevant engineering teams to refine the temporary traffic arrangements.