Transport Department principle transport officer Albert Su said 29 bus routes on the island will be temporarily suspended from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Another 28 bus routes with termini at the Central Piers, the MTR Hong Kong Station, the Exchange Square or Wan Chai Ferry Pier will be truncated to terminate at Sheung Wan, Admiralty or Wan Chai.

Another 38 bus routes operating along Des Voeux Road Central eastbound and Hennessy Road eastbound will be diverted to Pedder Street Underpass, Harcourt Road and Gloucester Road.

Twenty-one green minibus routes on the island will also be truncated or suspended.

Su admitted that traffic will be severely congested as the relay is held during peak hours.

Forty-four bus routes and six green minibus routes in Kowloon will also be affected. In Sha Tin, services on 45 bus routes and 16 green minibus routes will be suspended or modified.

Ferry services between Ma Wan and Tsuen Wan will be strengthened during the relay.

Chiu said closed roads will reopen to the public soon after the relay.

Legislative Council transport panel member Lau Kong-wah said traffic could be chaotic on the day.

"Police should make appropriate arrangements to ensure a smooth event that will not significantly affect the public," he said.

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority urged examination candidates and invigilators to stay alert to traffic conditions tomorrow.

(HK Edition 04/17/2008 page1)