New | Tram and bus routes continue to be suspended as Occupy protests continue

Hong Kong’s commuters were urged once more on Friday to allow for longer travel times in their commute, as protest blockades continue to cause the suspension of some public transport routes in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Traffic congestion could increase later in the day after protest leaders called on Hongkongers to take to the streets of Admiralty again on Friday evening after the government cancelled an election reform dialogue that was seen as a step in working towards resolving the political stand-off.

As of Friday morning, 27 bus routes continue to be suspended and 286 bus routes are being diverted in the territory.

Two bus routes -13 and 23 - are back in service, but have been diverted.

Like in previous days, tram services between Western Market and Victoria Park, including the Happy Valley loop, are suspended, the Hong Kong Tramways said.

Bus operators said routes passing through Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai would be delayed, as some roads in Admiralty have been closed to traffic.