Students walk past a fallen tree on their way to school, on Sept 4, 2023, in Hong Kong. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Traffic in Hong Kong was smooth on Monday morning as students returned to school after the start of the new school year was deferred for three days due to Typhoon Saola.

Since 6:30 am Monday, the Transport Department (TD) has deployed staff members to monitor the transport situation at various major public transport interchanges and school areas, according to a press release.

A woman helps a pupil wear a student card outside a school in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, Sept 4, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

The department said it will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services, and maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments

The department said the overall traffic in the city was busier than usual on the first day of the new school year as in prior years, including the traffic at major trunk roads, cross-harbor tunnels, as well as the school areas. 

READ MORE: HK defers start of new school year as super typhoon nears

But the conditions were “mostly smooth” and public transport services were “generally adequate to meet demand”, it added.

The department said it will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services, and maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments.

It also reminded members of the public to leave enough time for travel in the morning peak hour, and advised students to familiarize themselves with the public transport routes to school as early as possible to determine the most suitable travel patterns.

School visits

Meanwhile, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin visited on Monday morning Po Leung Kuk Ma Kam Ming College and Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School (Hung Hom Bay) to join their school opening ceremonies.

Citing President Xi Jinping's reply letter to Hong Kong secondary school students, Choi encouraged students to strengthen their affection for the country and sense of national belonging, and to sharpen their skills and abilities.