Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 17) that due to bi… read more
The Transport Department (TD) today (November 17) reminded members of the public to pay attention to the traffic situation and the latest public transport service arrangement this morning before starting their journey.
As at 6am today, the latest public transport situation is as follows:
(I) MTR
All MTR lines maintain services. Except the Airport Express Line, the train service will end at 10pm.
From start of service, East Rail Line service will be maintained between Hung Hom and Fo Tan stations (not stopping at Racecourse Station), and between Tai Po Market and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau stations (not stopping at Sheung Shui). University and Sheung Shui stations will be closed. Entrances/Exits at some stations will also be closed. Other train stations may be closed within a short period of time due to incidents. Members of the public are advised to continue to stay tuned to the latest traffic news.
Light Rail Route 705 is substituted by Route 751. Route 706 is substituted by Route 761P. Routes 614, 614P, 761P and 751 will be diverted. Light Rail Vehicles will not stop at Chestwood and Yau Oi stops.
(II) Franchised bus
The roads in Hong Kong Island South and New Territories East affected by days of blockage have been re-opened. Major roads in Yau Tsim Mong District in Kowloon are yet to be opened due to continued road blockages. In view of safety concerns and uncertain road conditions, some bus routes may be temporarily diverted or suspended. The major affected road sections include Chatham Road South near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (both bounds), Nathan Road between Dundas Street and Mong Kok Road (both bounds) and Cornwall Street between Waterloo Road and Tat Chee Avenue.
Cross Harbour Tunnel (both bounds) is yet to be re-opened due to damage of the Administration Building and toll plaza. Services of relevant bus routes will not be provided. Relevant government departments and the tunnel operator will assess the extent of the damage to the system and draw up a recovery plan when the situation permits.
About 130 sets of damaged traffic lights are under urgent repair in various districts. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to be patient and pay attention to road safety when passing through the affected junctions. For the safety of road users, the TD again appeals to members of the public to stop damaging traffic lights and other road facilities.
As traffic conditions and railway services may change within a short period of time, the TD urges commuters using public transport services to allow more travelling time and plan their journey in advance. Details of the latest traffic news are available at TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html) or mobile application “HKeMobility”. read more
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Yellow fire danger warning The fire danger situation today (November 17) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hi… read more
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals: "The Social Welfare Department announ… read more
Rioters blocked roads and caused extensive damages in various districts in recent days, severely affecting people’s daily lives. Members of the public and various Government departments worked together today (November 16) to clear a number of blocked roads. Relevant Government departments also spared no effort in repairing damaged facilities and arranged alternative services for the public to restore operation in society.
Today many members of the public came out at their own initiative to clear barricades set up by protesters in various districts, facilitating the reopening of many blocked roads. Their heart touching actions show their love for Hong Kong and inject positive energy into the society. However, there were rioters who attacked members of the public as well as hurled petrol bombs and hard objects, leading to some injuries. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government appeals to members of the public to be careful, and strongly condemns the dangerous acts of the rioters.
Apart from the initiative of the members of the public, the Police, Fire Services Department, Transport Department, Highways Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Civil Aid Service, etc had worked together starting from morning to clear the roads and coordinate with other parties. Their efforts led to the reopening of various roads, including Tolo Highway, Tai Po Road, Junction Road, Pok Fu Lam Road, Bonham Road, Tong Ming Street and Tong Chun Street in Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, and Kai Leng Roundabout in Sheung Shui. In particular, the Tolo Highway, which is essential to people living in the northern and eastern parts of the New Territories, has been reopened since noon. As rioters hurled petrol bombs and various objects onto the Highway from the No.2 Bridge next to the Chinese University of Hong Kong which led to the Highway’s closure, relevant Government departments will commence works tonight to close the Bridge temporarily so as to keep the Highway clear and ensure the safety of the road users.
In addition, to facilitate the commuting of people living and working in Tai Po District, Shatin District and North District, today the Government continues to provide free ferry service between Wu Kai Sha Public Pier and Tai Po Waterfront Park Pier, and free coach service between Tai Po Waterfront Park near Dai King Street Roundabouts and Tai Po Market Station. Although the Tolo Highway has been reopened, the Government will continue to provide the above free transportation services tomorrow and on Monday for the convenience of the public.
Rioters attacked users of the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel, set fires to the toll booths and vandalised the Administration Building. As rioters are still assembling nearby and the traffic management system has been damaged, the tunnel cannot be opened soon. Relevant Government departments and the tunnel operator will assess the extent of the damage to the system and draw up a repair plan once the safety of the working staff can be guaranteed.
Individual MTR stations have been vandalised by rioters and are out of service, with the University station severely damaged. Rioters also hurled petrol bombs at MTR facilities. Relevant Government departments will liaise closely with MTR and make suitable arrangements in accordance with the actual situation.
