Cross-border bus operators boost staff for weekend surge, lawmaker urges real-time data for travellers
Cross-border bus operators are adding staff for the weekend passenger surge at Huanggang checkpoint. A lawmaker suggests providing real-time data to help travellers plan trips and avoid congestion.
Authorities expect a significant increase in cross-border passenger numbers at the Huanggang checkpoint this weekend and have prepared sufficient vehicles and staff to disperse crowds after large events. Choy Shun-kei, chairman of the Hong Kong Non-Franchised Bus Operators Association and deputy general manager of Cross Border Express, said his company has added staff for three consecutive days from Friday to Sunday as an early precaution.
Speaking on RTHK's Millennium programme, Choy said that if the government sets up dedicated lanes for public or cross-border buses heading to the Huanggang checkpoint, it could effectively resolve the traffic jams seen last Saturday. In addition to dedicated lanes, he said the waiting area near the Huanggang checkpoint should be better managed so that roads leading to the checkpoint are not blocked by other cross-border private cars.
Choy believes that if timely traffic controls and vehicle buffer zones are implemented around San Tin Road, with proper separation of bus and private car flows, cross-border bus travel times could be kept to around 40 minutes per trip. This would allow buses to return to the city on schedule to pick up the next batch of passengers for Huanggang.
New Territories North lawmaker Yao Ming, speaking on the same programme, expressed confidence that the government's announced measures – including early opening of vehicle lanes and self-service channels before peak traffic – can effectively ease vehicle and pedestrian flows. He also hopes public transport services will increase frequency to encourage more travellers to use public transport, reducing the number of private cars heading to the checkpoint.
Furthermore, Yao called for more police deployment around San Tin Interchange and San Tin Road to handle possible sudden increases in traffic volume and to implement traffic measures that prevent the roundabout from becoming gridlocked. He also suggested that authorities provide real-time online data so travellers can immediately see border crossing conditions and nearby road congestion, allowing them to plan ahead and consider travelling during off-peak hours.
