Bus No. 94 controversy grows

BUZZ has written a number of stories concerning the rescheduling of KMB Route 94, from Sai Kung to Wong Shek. The affects of reducing the headway to 40 minutes from 30 minutes during weekdays has led to much discussion on social media, with many complaining of the disastrous effect it has had on their travel patterns and inconvenience caused.

BUZZ decided to take the matter up with various authorities, especially when we learned from the District Officer and District Councillor Christine Fong, that there had been no consultation with them, or the public.

We wrote to the Transport Department (TD) asking how this could have happened. Here is the correspondence thread:

To: Transport Department – 22 November 2018

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am following up a story for the Sai Kung Buzz newspaper concerning the rescheduling of KMB route 94 from Sai Kung to Wong Shek.

This rescheduling has caused adverse problems for many of our readers who are resident in the Sai Kung Country Park. Please can you inform me why this change was made, and what public consultation, if any was, carried out?

Yours faithfully
Dr Robin Bradbeer
Deputy Editor
Sai Kung Buzz

From Chrissie Hin Hin LEUNG (DT) – 7 December 2018

Dear Dr Bradbeer,

Regarding your enquiry, below please find the response from the Transport Department. Thank you.

KMB Route 94 is plying between Sai Kung and Wong Shek Pier. In view of low passenger demand and for better utilisation of resources, the service headway has been adjusted largely to 40 minutes on weekdays with effect from 5 November 2018. On the other hand, some service improvement items have been implemented to cater for the passenger need. These include the extension of service hours to 9.50 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. on journeys to Wong Shek and Sai Kung respectively, and the improvement of service headway to 15 minutes in the peakest period during the weekends when the passenger demand is high.

The views from residents about the new service timetable are noted. We will explore with the bus company the feasibility of further revising the timetable to better suit the passenger travelling pattern, particularly during the weekday morning peak hours.

Regards,
Chrissie
Information and Public Relations Unit
Transport Department

To Chrissie Hin Hin LEUNG – 7 December 2018

Hi Chrissie

Thank you. As the major English language newspaper in the Sai Kung area we will publish your response. There is very strong opposition to this rescheduling, as you well know. With the #7 GMB not starting till 8.25 am the KMB #94 is the only way out of the country park for 2 hours in the morning. Reducing the frequency has caused major disruption. Similarly in the evening with the last #7 GMB leaving Sai Kung at 6.25pm.

I would like to know if the frequency and start/stop times of the #7 GMB may be altered if KMB do not want to run, say, smaller, buses at a more frequent interval, at these times.

best regards

Robin

From Chrissie (DT) – 14 December 2018
Dear Robin,

Below please find the reply from the Transport Department in response to your follow-up enquiry. Thank you.

The views from residents about the service timetable of KMB Route No. 94 are noted. We are exploring with the bus company the feasibility of revising the timetable to better suit the passenger travelling pattern, particularly during the weekday morning peak hours.

As regards the green minibus (GMB) Route 7 (Sai Kung – Hoi Ha), the operating period on weekdays are from 8.25 am to 6.55 pm on journeys to Sai Kung; and from 7.55 am to 6.25 pm on journeys to Hoi Ha. We currently have no plan to adjust the timetable of this GMB route. Nevertheless, we would closely monitor the level of the services and review the operation hours if and when necessary.

Regards,
Chrissie
Information and Public Relations Unit
Transport Department

BUZZ will continue to press this matter, and take it up with our District Councillors too, so as to apply the maximum pressure on TD. We will keep you informed of any progress. It does seem as though a major rethink of transport into and out of the country park is necessary, something residents have been arguing for for many years. BUZZ readers are urged to send TD their own thoughts and suggestions – chrissieleung@td.gov.hk

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