miklcct :The only factor which should affect the frequency of bus routes is the demand. If the demand is extremely high, 1-minute headway is even possible, if the demand is very low, the result may be only one departure per day. It is very clear that the demand for crossing the harbour is much greater than the demand to Central at afternoon peak hour, therefore, the number of buses to Central should be reduced, and the number of buses on cross-harbour routes should be increased. In reality, no buses from Pokfulam to Central skip stops due to their fullness, however, many buses skip stops before crossing the harbour because they are completely packed and cannot accommodate more passengers.
There are dozens of factors affecting the frequency of bus routes. Apart from demand, factors like road loading and transport policies do affect also. In the 970 series example, the effect of increasing frequency can be greatly reduced by multiple choke points (traffic jams), like the Second Street and Water Street, and the Jordan Road. The roads there will suffer from 100% loading during rush hour, thus greatly reduce their transport ability. Buses packed with passengers from Pokfulam to Central during rush hours are not uncommon also, if your eyesight is average I am sure you can see it. If there are alternative methods helping to reduce the loading of the roads while at the expense of a bit more time for that bunch of HKU students, why can't them be bothered?
miklcct :It is unfair for us to change to a slower method just because the cross-harbour service is insufficient. (If we take 970X and then 960, we can arrive Tuen Mun from HKU in half an hour!) The southbound buses to Pokfulam from Sai Ying Pun are never fully-packed to the extent of the 970 buses, therefore, we should reduce the number of those buses to make some to be available for clearing accumulated cross-harbour passengers from Sai Ying Pun. The number of southbound Pokfulam buses should be reduced until every bus is 100% packed, which is the current situation of peak-hour 904, 905, 970, 970X, 971 and 973 buses.
While the students' class time is flexible and they are not permanent residence in HKU area, those live in the Western District do have the strong need to travel back home. Refusing to take alternative route is acceptable as long as you acknowledge the fact of waiting is needed, but how fair would it be by letting you having a convenient transport for two semesters only at the expense of others travelling back to their permanent home (for years at least) for much longer time, as well as making everyone getting stuck in roads like Jordan Road?
While complaining about the 970 series, why not strongly request the HKUSU to re-negotiate with the Transport Department about student shuttle bus from Mong Kok East MTR Station to the Main Campus? That will be a more direct and privilage service for you.
If that is the only route that you can ride, it is fair to complain, but there are alternative routes that can be used but you refuse, accept the fact that you need to stand and wait then. If you can't be bothered, taxis are always available at the East Gate.
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