Transport chief says cross-border bus operators ready for Halloween rush
Hong Kong's Transport Department chief inspected cross-border bus points ahead of a forecast three-day travel peak from Halloween. She said operators are prepared, with Shenzhen Port extended hours, enhanced B13 services and a new overnight B13S route from Central to Huanggang.
The Transport Department of Hong Kong expects a surge in cross-border trips for three consecutive nights starting this evening. Commissioner for Transport Eliza Tse inspected several bus termini on the evening of 30 October, including the Wan Chai Exhibition Centre public transport interchange, the stop outside the Golden Plaza at Aylen Street in Prince, and the Austin Road cross-border bus terminus in Jordan, to review preparations for short-haul cross-border bus services handling the Halloween peak. She was pleased to note that operators of all routes are ready.
Ms Tse said the Kai Tak Sports Park is hosting a large concert, and she expected the Island side to be busier tonight. The department will work with all public transport operators to ensure readiness, including increasing service frequencies.
She noted that the Shenzhen Port will extend its clearance hours, and the relevant cross-border short-haul buses will also extend their services. The B13 route, which runs direct from the Island side to Huanggang Port, has already increased its frequency. A new overnight special route, B13S, will depart from Central, stopping at two or three points before heading directly to Huanggang Port.
The bus companies have reserved multiple spare vehicles, Ms Tse added. When boarding points see large numbers of passengers, these spare vehicles will be deployed to pick up travellers.