Regulation of cross-boundary coach services operating via Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang

The Transport Department (TD) today (May 25) issued the following statement on measures to regulate cross-boundary coach services operating via Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang control points:

"The Hong Kong and Mainland authorities regularly review the quota and operation of cross-boundary coach services to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the various control points; and at the same time, to suitably meet the cross-boundary traffic demand arising from the increasing economic integration and other exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Since the end of last year, the problem of operators overrunning their quota has worsened. Some operators have even operated short-haul services terminating at the Huanggang control point without authorisation. As a consequence, the operation, public order and environment of both the Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang control points have been adversely affected. These unauthorised services also cause traffic congestion and environment problems at the stopping points on the Hong Kong side. We have thus taken enhanced enforcement actions against the malpractice since early this year.

The authorities have decided to take a two-pronged approach to better regulate cross-boundary coach services using the Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang control points.

"On the one hand, we will enhance the enforcement actions, which include the issue of new Closed Road Permits and holding an inquiry against those operators who are in breach of the quota or licensing conditions, in order to ensure smooth operation of the control points. On the other hand, we will specially allocate some quotas and invite applications from the existing cross-boundary coach operators to operate 5 groups (6 routes) of cross-boundary routes plying between various districts of Hong Kong and Huanggang control point or its vicinity, to meet passenger demand."

"We believe these measures will curb unauthorised activities, resulting in great improvement to the operation of the control points and alleviation of traffic problems at the stopping points on the Hong Kong side. At the same time, the introduction of these short-haul cross-boundary coach routes should suitably address the demand of the cross-boundary travellers.

We plan to implement the enhanced enforcement actions and to introduce the short-haul routes between Hong Kong and Huanggang in July this year.

During the initial period after the implementation of the measures, cross-boundary travellers would have to pay attention to the service details and the pre-booking and ticketing arrangements of the newly-introduced fixed-scheduled services. With the improved efficiency of coach operation; as well as the improved traffic and order at the control points, cross-boundary travellers would benefit in the longer run. The relevant Hong Kong and Mainland authorities will continue to review the quota and operations of the cross-boundary coaches."

Ends/Tuesday, May 25, 2004