In recent weekends and during the Ching Ming Festival holiday, a surge of visitors heading to East Dam in Hong Kong's Sai Kung district has caused severe traffic congestion along Man Yee Road, particularly in the mornings due to heavy taxi usage.
This congestion significantly extended travel times for Green Minibus Route 9A, which operates between Pak Tam Chung and East Dam. With an anticipated influx of tourists during the upcoming Labour Day Golden Week (May 1–5), multiple government departments, including the Transport Department (TD), Water Supplies Department (WSD), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Hong Kong Police Force, and Tourism Commission, have announced coordinated measures to improve traffic flow and visitor management.
Minibus Service Adjustments
Currently, Green Minibus Route 9A (Pak Tam Chung – East Dam) operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with departures from Pak Tam Chung running from 9:30 am to 6:40 pm and return services from East Dam from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at 15- to 20-minute intervals. During the Golden Week, the TD has coordinated with the operator to enhance service frequency based on passenger demand. Additionally, the route will operate on a trial basis on May 2 to accommodate holiday travelers.
Improved Queue Management and Infrastructure
To streamline passenger boarding, the TD will expand minibus stop markings at East Dam, while the operator will adjust the queuing direction at the East Dam stop (from the current Pak Tam Chung direction to the Long Ke direction). Temporary barriers will also be installed by the AFCD to organize waiting areas.
Real-time traffic updates will be broadcast through media channels during peak congestion periods, and an information display screen will be set up near the AFCD's Pak Tam Chung checkpoint to provide road condition alerts for East Dam-bound travelers.
Road Improvements and Safety Measures
The WSD has completed temporary road enhancements at key sections of Wan Yee Road to facilitate smoother vehicle movement and passing.
Enhanced Visitor Management
The AFCD will bolster patrols in East Dam's country park areas to remind hikers to stay on designated trails, prioritize safety, and adhere to environmental guidelines, including proper waste disposal. Cleaning services will also be intensified as needed.
In collaboration with the Tourism Commission and Hong Kong Tourism Board, the AFCD will promote alternative hiking routes and responsible countryside codes to visitors, encouraging them to plan trips using the latest traffic information.
Police Deployment and Enforcement
The Hong Kong Police Force will implement targeted measures, including deploying officers at strategic locations along Wan Yee Road during peak arrival and departure times to manage traffic and crowds. Enhanced publicity and enforcement actions will also focus on cracking down on illegal taxi practices.
These coordinated efforts aim to ensure a safer and more efficient experience for visitors to East Dam during the Labour Day Golden Week, balancing tourism promotion with sustainable management of Hong Kong's natural landscapes.
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