The trial was jointly operated by the Police, Transport Department and PLB associations between March and September this year and was well received by the public. During the trial period, the number of traffic accidents in Kowloon East Region involving PLBs dropped by 18.6 per cent, while the number of casualties involving PLBs had also decreased by 36.5 per cent. Given the success of the trial, the scheme was extended territory-wide on November 1, with all PLB operators and drivers joining the scheme by putting up the "Project Safe-Ride" notice inside their vehicles.

"The launch of a territory-wide 'Project Safe-Ride' Public Light Bus safe driving campaign is aimed at enhancing PLB drivers' awareness of road safety and combatting speeding. A notice showing the Police 'Safe-Ride' complaint hotline 2754-7668 is to be displayed inside all PLBs," said Acting Chief Superintendent of Traffic Headquarters, Ms Shirley Chu Ming-po.

Senior Superintendent Traffic Kowloon East Steve Verralls noted: "The 24-hour Traffic Police hotline provides a means for passengers to lodge immediate complaints to police or PLB operators on speeding or any other driving misbehaviour. On receipt of a report, action will be taken according to its nature. If it is a complaint of a serious traffic offence or if an immediate response is required, traffic duties will be deployed. In less urgent cases the complaint will be referred to the relevant Traffic region to follow up."

Ag CSP Chu pointed out that before implementation of the project, PLB operators had explained to all their drivers that the project was aimed at reminding them to adopt a high and safe standard of driving. During the trial in KE Region, both operators and drivers supported the scheme and appreciated that it would benefit passengers and drivers alike by contributing to improved safety on PLBs.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chu Ming-po announces details of "Operation Safe-Ride" at a news conference