The chairman of the Non-Franchised Public Bus Association of Hong Kong, Eddie Choi, said on Thursday he believed that dedicated transport lanes at Huanggang checkpoint could effectively reduce traffic congestion during peak hours this weekend.

Authorities announced on Wednesday that priority would be given to public transport to manage vehicular traffic peaks at the crossing between 11pm and 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Late-night outbound passenger flow surged last weekend as scores of visitors left the city after attending a concert in Kai Tak and Halloween festivities elsewhere.

"The reason there was traffic congestion last Saturday is because many cars and taxis used the lanes before they reached the control zone," Choi told an RTHK radio programme.

"With the dedicated lanes extended, I think traffic police officers need to be stationed at the scene to prevent cars or taxis at the border crossing from driving onto the lanes and creating traffic congestion on San Tin Highway.

“Improvements also need to be made to the holding area for vehicles waiting to enter the new Huanggang Port.”

With proper arrangements made to separate the flow of cars from that of buses, Choi said he believed the journey time for cross-border buses from urban areas to the port could be kept within 40 minutes.

Legislative Council transport panel chairman Ben Chan also welcomed the government's move to give priority to public transport during vehicular traffic peaks at the crossing, saying it gives travellers an extra incentive to take buses.

"I think in Hong Kong the most successful measure is public transport [prioritisation]. This time, the government will arrange more bus lines to service during peak hours, and also the police will facilitate public transport to use the [dedicated lanes] to avoid them from getting trapped on the roads. So I think people will try to use public transport this week," he said.

In a Facebook post, the Transport Department said public transport operators have reserved sufficient vehicles and manpower to cope with the expected travel surge over the weekend.

It said five cross-border bus routes connecting urban areas to Huanggang Port will step up their services during late-night periods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Special cross-border buses will also head for Huanggang and Shenzhen Bay ports from Kai Tak after concerts on Friday and Saturday, and passengers are reminded to purchase bus tickets in advance.


Edited by Aaron Tam