Few hassles on the second day
No traffic problems were reported yesterday on the second day of strike action by bus drivers, with few commuters setting off earlier to avoid potential delays.
Sixty-four New World First Bus drivers took part in the strike yesterday, the company said - down from 77 on Monday and the New World First Bus Staff Union's estimate of 600.
The union's chairman, Chung Chung-fai, said the number of strikers was not important, because such labour movements were 'enduring battles'.
A KMB spokesman said operations were smooth in the morning, and no special arrangements were needed.
The Transport Department said traffic was normal across the city.
In Southern district, Carrie Ma, a trade officer, said the strike had not affected her. Her bus arrived earlier than usual and there were fewer passengers.
Southern district councillor Chai Man-hon, of the Democratic Party, said they had not put on any shuttle buses for Wah Fu residents yesterday. Buses had been laid on on Monday but few commuters had used them.
But Wah Kwai resident Leung Sim-ping, who takes route 4X to work in Sheung Wan, set off an hour earlier yesterday after learning the strike was entering a second day. She set off 45 minutes earlier on Monday. 'It is definitely inconvenient to the residents, but we can only be more disciplined and go out earlier to catch the bus,' Leung said.
Accounting firm worker Silvin Cheng welcomed the stoppage, saying it was time workers spoke up for themselves.
