The Transport Department today said four KMB bus routes will be diverted from tomorrow to take passengers from areas affected by the Tai Po fire to Sha Tin and urban areas.

It explained that, as a number of road sections remain closed in the aftermath of the blaze, the franchised bus operator (FBO), in co-ordination with the department, will implement a diversion plan to ease commuters’ inconvenience in going to work or school.

Starting from their first departures tomorrow, KMB route Nos. 72, 72A, 73A and 74A will be diverted to Tai Po Road - Tai Po Kau, via Yau King Lane.

The trimming of branches protruding over the carriageway at some locations along Yau King Lane has been completed. The FBO also carried out a trial along the route to ensure its safety.

The department reminded members of the public to plan ahead and reserve sufficient time for their journeys. They can refer to the FBO’s website or mobile application for the latest information on its routes.

The MTR will continue to run services on relevant sections of the East Rail Line at enhanced frequency, and provide MTR Bus services in Tai Po as needed, while FBOs will keep reserve vehicles and manpower on standby to meet passenger demand.

The department added that traffic on Tai Po Road, Tolo Highway and roads in Tai Po town centre is expected to be busier, and that the public should avoid driving unnecessarily to these areas. It said that as the slip road from Tolo Highway (Kowloon bound) to Tai Poi Market has reopened, motorists can use this road to reach Tai Po. Those travelling in the direction of Sheung Shui on the Tolo Highway can use Tat Wan Road, Tai Po Tai Wo Road or Yuen Shin Road to reach Tai Po.

Moreover, the department has strengthened messaging displayed at signs in both directions on the Tolo Highway, and has temporarily modified road markings at certain sections of Tat Wan Road and the Tolo Highway slip road to ease traffic. It urged motorists to heed traffic arrangements on roads connecting Tai Po, pay attention to traffic lights, traffic signs and road markings, and drive carefully.