Applications for Cross-Boundary Coach Services Invited

The Transport Department is inviting applications from suitable operators to provide cross-boundary coach services between Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Mainland through the Lok Ma Chau and Sha Tau Kok Boundary Control Points.

A spokesman for the Department said all applications are free of charge. The transport services should be jointly operated by joint ventures of Hong Kong and Mainland and applications should be made in writing giving the following information: -

	The name of the person(s) to be contacted and the means of contact. If the joint venture is a limited company, Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation and Mainland Certificate of Business. In case the joint venture is an unlimited company, 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, and position of steering wheel;
	The proposed daily number of crossings between Hong Kong and Mainland, name of control point, crossing time at the control point, detailed routing and terminal facilities on Hong Kong side;
	Relevant experience in operating similar transport services;
	Details of partnership arrangements i.e. names and addresses of both Hong Kong and partners in Mainland; and
	Approval documents issued by accredited Mainland authorities for providing cross-boundary coach services.

The spokesman said owing to the busy traffic conditions at Lok Ma Chau and Sha Tau Kok, the crossing time allocated might not be the same as applied.

"In respect of Lok Ma Chau, the new coach services may only be permitted to depart from Hong Kong during the non-peak period each day, "he add.

In order to facilitate the processing of applications, applications should be submitted simultaneously to both the Public Vehicles Section, Licensing Division of the Transport Department, HKSAR at 3/F., United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong and the Country Port of People's Government of Shenzhen Port Office, Guangdong Province at Room 503, No. 10, Fu Tian South Road, Shenzhen [Postal Code 518045] or the Land and Air Ports Administration Division of the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province at Room 917, 351 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou [Postal Code 510620].

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 15, 2001. Applications may be lodged in person or by post. Applicants who have submitted applications in the past should re-apply in accordance with the above-mentioned procedures. Applications are subject to the vetting and approval of the Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities.

Further/verbal enquiries can be made at 2804 2578.

End/Friday, June 1, 2001