25
Wednesday, January 7, 1974
AIM OF NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL CLARIFIED
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Brian Wilson, today made it
clear that the new Central District traffic arrangements, which were intro-
duced last weekend, were not part of a campaign to phase out Public Light
Buses.
He said they were implemented simply to move the minibuses to the
outskirts of the heavily congested Central area in an effort to improve
traffic flow. The arrangements not only affect minibuses, but also goods
vehicles and even the private moteri .
Although there has only been two clear days1operation to test the
new arrangements, the indications are that they are working satisfactorily.
Mr. Wilson added that they were not something new as similar restrictions
had been brought in during the past few years and no doubt further ones will
be introduced as the need arises.
Referring to the strike by minibus drivers, the Commissioner said
that the action was totally unnecessary and could only have a more harmful
effect on themselves. Apart from slightly longer delays, the China Motor
Bus Company and the Hongkong Tramways were able to cope with the increased
load.
Figures supplied to the Transport Department today by the companies indicate that C.M.B. on Tuesday carried an additional 188,000 passengers, the trans an extra 90,000 and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company 15,000 extra people on
its cross-harbour service. At the same time, the Hongkong and Yaurati Ferry
Company introduced two new ferry services along the north shore line to help
ease the situation, and these are expected to continue operating after the strike
is over,
However, Mr. Wilson reiterated that the mini-bus did have a role to play in the overall public transport field, particularly along feeder routes and to
areas which could not be served by larger buses,
0