The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will open September 1 to monitor traffic on the first day of the new school term.

The Transport Department reminds operators to provide adequate services to meet the upsurge. It will liaise with operators and Government departments, and officers will act as observers to provide onsite information to the centre.

Students should familiarise themselves with transport routes to be taken and allow for more travel time, especially if they are attending a new school.

Those living on or attending schools on outlying islands are advised to check ferry schedules beforehand.

Contact details

All major public transport operators provide hotlines and websites to answer public enquiries. They are:

* New World First Bus, 2136 8888, www.nwfb.com.hk;

* CityBus, 2873 0818, www.citybus.com.hk;

* Kowloon Motor Bus, 2745 4466, www.kmb.com.hk;

* New Lantao Bus, 2984 9848, www.newlantaobus.com;

* New World First Ferry, 2131 8181, www.nwff.com.hk; and,

* Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, 2815 6063, www.hkkf.com.hk.

Due to possible congestion around schools, general motorists should avoid these areas if possible.

Nanny van and school bus drivers should avoid carrying too many passengers and leaving school children unattended in vehicles.

People should pay attention to radio and TV announcements on the latest transport and traffic news. They can also call 2804 2600 or 1823 for enquiries.