1. Introduction
In a bid to rearrange all KMB routes serving Sha Tin Racecourse to allow horse-racing fans to go home more conveniently after watching the races, the following suggestions are proposed.
2. Suggestions
2.1 Cross-harbour tunnel routes
As routes 802 and 811 each serve well to the eastern and western parts of Hong Kong Island, so both routes should remain the same, but all departures will go to NWFB. A new route to the southern HK Island, Route 817, is suggested to allow more convenient access to the Southern District from Sha Tin Racecourse. The route will reach the Cross Harbour Tunnel by going along the route of 802 and 811, and then will follow route 171 towards South Horizons. The proposed fare is $35.6 and one KMB or CTB bus will execute the departure at 30 mins after the last race ends.
2.2 Routes to Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long
Firstly, Route 848 should remain the same as it provides a good connection to Tsuen Wan and Kwai Fong. Secondly, Route 868 will not pass through Tsuen Wan so it can offer a quicker connection to Tuen Mun. After leaving Shing Mun Tunnel, it will follow Route 263 towards Tuen Mun Station. The sectional fare from Shing Mun Tunnel will be added and it will be $6.7. The service to Racecourse will also be cancelled. Thirdly, Route 869 should also remain the same as it serves Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai well.
2.3 Routes to Sha Tin, Ma On Shan, Tai Po and North District
Firstly, as there was a serious accident involving Route 872, a lot of passengers have given up to take 872 and moved to 872X instead, so Route 872 is suggested to be cancelled. Route 872X will remain the same. A new route 876 is suggested to have a connection to the North District. It will go along Tolo Highway and follow route 277E to Tin Ping Estate. The fare is proposed to be $19.5, and one departure is offered. Route 888 will also be cancelled and people can choose to take 88K from Fo Tan. Route 885 will be shortened to Chevalier Garden Bus Terminus and affected passengers can take 87K from University Station.
2.4 Routes to Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O
Firstly, 886 and 887 will be merged into a new 886 (Sha Tin Racecourse>Mong Kok). It will change to go along Tsing Sha Highway and then follow 2A to Mong Kok. BBI with 31B and 16 are added to retain service to Tai Kok Tsui, and the fare will be the same as the current 887. 891 will be cancelled and 85 from Fo Tan will take its role. Lastly, 893 will be merged into 889 (Sha Tin Racecourse>Ping Tin) and BBI with 98A and 296A is offered. 798 may also replace the role of 893.
3. Conclusion
It is hoped that the above suggestions will be considered.
