EPD's response to media enquiries on Air Quality Health Index Health Risk Levels
In response to media enquiries on health risk category for Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaching the "Serious" risk level, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (April 13) gave the following response:
Under the influence of a dusty air stream associated with the northeast monsoon, the level of Hong Kong's suspended particulates has started rising since 10pm last night (April 12).
This morning, the AQHI health risk level was "High" to "Very High". It is anticipated that by late afternoon, the health risk category of the AQHI of some air quality monitoring stations may reach the "Serious" risk level.
The dusty air particles consist mainly of larger-sized particulates, leading to a more significant increase in respirable suspended particulates (PM10) compared to fine suspended particulates (PM2.5), where the latter have a more direct impact on human health.
Hong Kong has recorded of being affected by dusty air streams, with impacts lasting from a few hours to several days. Due to long-distance transport, the effect of dusty air stream on Hong Kong is expected to be comparable to the accumulation of air pollutants under typical stagnant wind conditions.
The impact of this dusty air stream may last for one to two days. According to the Hong Kong Observatory's forecast, a southerly airstream is expected to reach and affect the coastal areas of Guangdong by mid of this week. The EPD anticipates that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.
The EPD will closely monitor the situation. Members of the public can check the hourly-updated AQHI on the EPD's website at www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html or call the EPD's hotline at 2827 8541.
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concert from April 24 to 27
The Transport Department (TD) today (April 22) said that, to facilitate the holding of a concert at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on the evening of April 24 to 27 (hereunder referred to as event dates), special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to provide convenience for spectators to travel to and from the KTSP. Cross-boundary travellers are urged to plan their journeys early and use the MTR services as far as possible. Those who plan to return to the Mainland using cross-boundary coach services should purchase tickets in advance.
A spokesman for the TD said, "We have been working with relevant bureaux/departments, the KTSP Limited, the event organiser as well as local and cross-boundary public transport operators to plan ahead the public transport services and ancillary transport facilities in advance, so that concertgoers can arrive at the venue conveniently and then leave in an orderly manner. As the traffic in the vicinity of the KTSP is expected to be heavy, they should opt for public transport and avoid driving. No parking space will be provided in the KTSP during the event period."
(1) Railway services
To facilitate the dispersal of an outflux of spectators, the interval between trains of the MTR Tuen Ma Line and northbound East Rail Line (ERL) will be enhanced during the dispersal period on the event dates. Spare trains will be arranged to meet the additional demand.
Of note, for cross-boundary travellers, the last train to Lo Wu Station via interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the ERL will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm. Travellers who miss the last train to Lo Wu Station may take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then the KMB route No. 276B or N73 to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI), and transfer to the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang (LMC-HG) cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland.
(2) Special bus route services
To provide convenience for cross-boundary travellers, two special bus routes will be provided during the dispersal period on the event dates to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port/Airport, thereby transferring to the Yellow Bus for their journey to the Mainland and the HZMB shuttle bus (Gold Bus) for their return to Macao or Zhuhai, or departing from Hong Kong via the airport respectively. Including routes to major districts across the territory, a total of 11 special bus routes will be provided in the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA):
Type
Special bus route
Destination/major service areas
Ports
SP12
Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI
A25S
HZMB Hong Kong Port/Airport
Hong Kong Island
SP10
Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central
SP11
Tai Koo, Shau Kei Wan, Siu Sai Wan
Kowloon
SP1
Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O (Hang Hau)
SP2
Mong Kok
New Territories
SP3
Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi
SP5A
Tuen Mun
SP6
Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai
SP7
Tai Po, Fanling, Sheung Shui
SP9
Tseung Kwan O South (LOHAS Park)
(3) Cross-boundary coach services
The KTSP Limited will arrange cross-boundary coach services during the dispersal period on the event dates to facilitate travellers' return to the Mainland via the LMC/HG Port. Passengers should purchase tickets prior to the concert (on-site ticket sales not available during dispersal) and board their coach at the PUDOA on the G/F, Kai Tak Stadium, via the escalator outside Gate H, 2/F. They should refer to the operators' website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfans; CTG Bus: m.hkctgbus.com/#/layout/home) for the latest ticket information.
(4) Special appeal to cross-boundary travellers
In anticipation of a large number of cross-boundary travellers returning to the Mainland after the concert, the LMC/HG Port is expected to be very busy and the clearance time will be longer. The TD urges travellers returning to the Mainland to take the MTR trains departing from Sung Wong Toi Station before 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station before 11.01pm to Lo Wu Station on the ERL via interchanging at Tai Wai Station if possible. A dedicated passage will be established at the LMC/HG Port when necessary to ensure the smooth operation of public transport services.
(5) Taxi services
On the above event dates, the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be opened from 2pm to midnight for taxi pick-up/drop-off. The TD will mobilise the taxi trade for picking up passengers. The waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators during dispersal and passengers' patience is appreciated. The KTSP Limited will open the Taxi Drop-off Area at Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Arena during admission phase for drop-off only.
Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the "Easy Leave" platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk), the "HKeMobility" mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.
