Applications for cross-boundary coach services invited

The Transport Department invites applications from qualified operators to provide cross-boundary coach services between Hong Kong and the Mainland through the Lok Ma Chau, Sha Tau Kok and Man Kam To Boundary Control Points.

The services should be operated by Hong Kong-Mainland joint ventures.

Applications should be made in writing, providing the following:

	if the applicant is a limited company, proof of Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation and Mainland Certificate of Business; if the applicant is an unlimited company, proof of Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate and Mainland Certificate of Business;
	description of the nature of the service, the number and type of vehicles used, seating capacity, position of steering-wheel and installation of passenger seatbelts;
	the proposed daily number of crossings, crossing times at the control points (6.30am. to midnight only for Lok Ma Chau Control Point), detailed routeing and terminal facilities on Hong Kong side. (Applicants should note that the crossing times allocated may not be the same as those applied for);
	description of experience in operating similar transport services;
	details of partnership arrangements, i.e. names and addresses of both Hong Kong and Mainland partners;
	approval documents for cross-boundary coach services issued by accredited Mainland authorities;
	name(s) of person(s) to be contacted and means of contact.

Applications in the name of the joint venture should be submitted simultaneously to:

	The Cross Boundary Unit, Licensing Section, Transport Department of the Hong Kong SAR (Address: 10/F., Habour Building, 38 Pier Road, Hong Kong);
	The Land and Air Ports Administration Division, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province (Address: Room 917, 351 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou [Postal Code 510620]).

The closing date for applications is November 3, 2003 (Monday). Applications may be lodged in person or by post, with the postmark no later than the closing date. Applicants who have submitted applications in the past should re-apply in accordance with the above-mentioned procedures. Applications are subject to vetting and approval of the Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities.

For further information, please contact Ms Choi Hau Yee of the HKSAR Transport Department (Tel. no.: 852 2804 2578) or Ms Liao Mei Yin of the Land and Air Ports Administration Division of the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province (tel. no.: 8620 38819940).

Ends/ Monday, October 20, 2003