Mainland tourists are pushing the infrastructure at East Dam to its limits All photos: HK01/夏家朗
Sai Kung’s East Dam has become a hot spot recommended by netizens on the mainland social media platforms, and attracted a large number of mainland tourists yesterday (4/4) during the Ching Ming Festival. Although there were more than 200 people queuing for the minibus during the peak period, the minibus company increased the frequency of the trips and the overall departure was smooth. However, there were many suspected “black taxi” drivers at the scene, and some taxi drivers were arrested on the spot by the police on suspicion of overcharging.
9A minibuses were overwhelmed
The only public transport service in East Dam is minibus line 9A, which runs from East Dam to Pak Tam Chung. On 22 March, there was a situation where minibuses were unable to absorb the large number of departing tourists. It is estimated that there were 500 people waiting for the bus during the peak period of the day. The last 9A bus was originally scheduled to depart at 7:00 pm, but it was eventually delayed until after 9:00pm before all the tourists were successfully carried away.
The situation has improved significantly since last month. Yesterday, during the peak period, there were only about 200 people queuing. The minibus company also prepared more than ten minibuses to travel back and forth between East Dam and Pak Tam Chung, and all waiting tourists were picked up before 7:00pm.
One mainland tourist, summed up today’s transportation experience, saying that he waited for 2 to 3 hours when taking a minibus from Pak Tam Chung to East Dam, and he expected to wait for half an hour when leaving. He said that his journey was delayed by waiting for the bus and he could have visited more places. He praised the scenery of East Dam, but thought that the transportation facilities could be improved: “It would be better if the buses could be coordinated to come in earlier.”
Another mainland tourist, took a taxi directly from Lok Ma Chau to East Dam without having to wait for the minibus in Pak Tam Chung. She described today’s experience as good, but unfortunately the weather was not that good. On the way back, she originally planned to take a taxi back to Lok Ma Chau, but when she saw a taxi with a “Not in Service” sign, she decided to leave by minibus.
A number of taxi drivers were arrested for fare scalping
Some taxis will put up a “Not in Service” signs when entering East Dam. The taxi fare to Pak Tam Chung is usually about $100, but some taxi drivers were seen asking mainland passengers to pay $90 per person, and one driver was arrested on the spot.
Another mainland tourist, planned to take a taxi from East Dam to Sai Wan Beach. The fare should be around $60, but as soon as he got in the car, the driver said he would not charge according to the meter and quoted $400 yuan. The tourist said he was in a hurry, so he thought the price was acceptable. Unexpectedly, when the car was about to set off, the police suddenly arrested the driver. After the arrest, the number of taxis entering East Dam decreased significantly, and the tourist complained to reporters that he had to walk!
Translated from a number of Chinese language media outlets including https://www.hk01.com/article/60226550
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