A three-pronged approach will be adopted to enhance the safety awareness and management of public light bus drivers. Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works Dr Sarah Liao said legislation, law enforcement and education would make bus travel safer.

She said it was crucial for drivers to abide by traffic regulations and safety guidelines.

Speaking to the media after the East Rail Tsim Sha Tsui Extension commissioning ceremony today, Dr Liao said the administration would also explore more effective ways of management.

She added that the Transport Department was considering fare rise applications for several public light bus routes.

A historical moment

On the Tsim Sha Tsui extension, Dr Liao said it was an historical moment for the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminal to move back to Tsim Sha Tsui after 30 years.

She hoped that the extension would mean more convenience for the public, who could enjoy the most efficient, safe and environmentally friendly mode of public transport.

On comments that there was not enough signage, Dr Liao said the KCRC had put up an extra 300 signs in the compound, including Japanese and Korean ones, for tourists to find their way more easily.

The travelling time of the extension, spanning one kilometre from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui East, will be about 15 minutes, while the journey from Tsim Sha Shui East to Sheung Shui will take about 37 minutes.

It takes about 20 minutes from Sha Tin to Tsim Sha Tsui by East Rail, 24 minutes shorter than taking buses and 11 minutes shorter than changing to the MTR in Kowloon Tong.