Transport firms in typhoon mode, some flights hit
Transport companies on Thursday geared up for the arrival of Super Typhoon Yagi, with services ramped up before an eventual winding-down, while some airlines cancelled a number of flights. The observatory is expected to issue a No 8 typhoon signal at 6.20pm.   The MTR said extra trains and buses were being laid on from 3pm.  However, once the signal 8 in force, only a limited rail service will be provided and buses will stop running three hours after the warning is issued. "Passengers are advised to return home as soon as possible or stay indoors in a safe place," the company said. It added that further disruption to services is possible if weather conditions worsen, and any issuance of a signal 9 or 10 would prevent trains from running on overground sections of the network.  Citybus said it was strengthening its services in the afternoon to help people get home from work. "We will maintain our daytime services for around 2 to 3 hours when the signal No 8 is in effect," it said in a statement. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and its sister company Long Win Bus (LWB) said they would provide a normal service on all routes until at least two hours after the signal 8 storm warning takes effect. "During the period when the number 8 gale or storm signal is hoisted, KMB and LWB will provide limited services.... routes may be altered due to weather or actual road conditions," a statement read.  Ferry services will likely be halted in the evening in light of the approaching typhoon, with a number of smaller routes already suspended from Thursday morning. Star Ferry said its last services would depart at 7.30pm.  HK Express said it had cancelled six flights to and from Hong Kong on Thursday and at least 16 others on Friday. Hong Kong Airlines cancelled at least four flights set for Friday. Cathay Pacific said it had made no cancellations because of the super typhoon, but passengers should check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. "We are also waiving ticket change fees, so customers can rearrange their plans easily," the airline said.  Chapman Fong, the Airport Authority's deputy director of airport operations, said about 38 flights have been cancelled. "We will start the flight rescheduling system to help airlines to reschedule their flights and resume their flights orderly. We expect the flight disruption or the arrangement to last for the whole day [Friday]," Fong said.  Only two airport bus routes – S1 and S64 to and from Tung Chung – will remain in service when the signal 8 warning is up.  An electronic queueing system for taxis is being brought in for passengers to leave the airport, with authorities liaising with operators to deploy more cabs to meet the rising demand.  The system was introduced after people had to queue for hours during a typhoon last year. _____________________________
Last updated: 2024-09-05 HKT 16:13 