Bus-only lanes 'just the ticket to cut Huanggang jams'

Eddie Choi, leader of the Non-Franchised Public Bus Association of Hong Kong, expressed optimism on Thursday about the potential of dedicated bus lanes at the Huanggang checkpoint to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours this weekend. The Hong Kong authorities announced on Wednesday that they would prioritize public transport during vehicular traffic peaks at the crossing between 11pm and 2am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Last weekend, late-night outbound passenger flow saw a significant surge as numerous visitors departed the city following a concert in Kai Tak and Halloween celebrations in other locations. The issue arose because many cars and taxis utilized the lanes before reaching the control zone, as Choi explained in an RTHK radio interview.

Extending the dedicated lanes could help prevent cars or taxis at the border crossing from inadvertently entering the lanes, thereby exacerbating traffic congestion on the San Tin Highway. Choi emphasized the need for police officers to patrol the area to maintain order and prevent such incidents. Moreover, he suggested enhancing the holding area for vehicles awaiting entry into the new Huanggang Port.

By properly segregating the flow of cars from buses, he believed that cross-border bus journeys from urban areas to the port could be reduced to a maximum of 40 minutes. Legislative Council transport panel chairman Ben Chan echoed Choi's sentiments, expressing support for the government's decision to prioritize public transport during vehicular traffic peaks at the crossing.

He believed that this approach would incentivize more travelers to use buses. Chan stated that the government would introduce additional bus lines to serve during peak hours, and the police would facilitate public transport usage of the dedicated lanes to prevent them from becoming trapped on the roads. The Transport Department confirmed in a Facebook post that public transport operators had reserved ample vehicles and personnel to handle the anticipated travel surge over the weekend.

They announced that five cross-border bus routes linking urban areas to Huanggang Port would intensify their services during late-night periods on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Special cross-border buses would also operate from Kai Tak to Huanggang and Shenzhen Bay ports after concerts on Friday and Saturday. Passengers were advised to purchase bus tickets in advance.