RS operators urged to observe licensing conditions

The Transport Department reminds operators of Residents' Services (RS) in Central and Wan Chai to follow the authorised routeings and stops and display the required documents at all times when providing their services. Enforcement action against non-compliance will be stepped up from next Monday (August 28).

The reminder was made following the completion of a review, in response to the request of the Public Omnibus trade, on the RS stopping arrangement introduced in Central and Wan Chai in May this year.

"As a result of the review, alighting stops for a total of 37 RS routes operating in Central and Wan Chai have been revised, and the routeings of 34 RS routes have been rationalised," a Transport Department spokesman said.

"The new arrangements have already been implemented and are working satisfactorily," the spokesman said.

The information provided at RS stops which shows the RS routes authorised to pick up/set down passengers at the locations has also been updated to facilitate the implementation of the new arrangements.

The Police will monitor the stopping activities of the RS and step up enforcement action against those RS buses not operating in accordance with the authorised routeings and stops from next Monday.

The Police will also enforce against RS buses failing to display the required certificates and documents, which contravene the licensing conditions of the RS.

According to the licensing conditions, RS operators are required to display on the windscreen of the bus a standard yellow plate showing the route number and destination of the service while operating RS. They are also required to display a letter issued by the Transport Department showing the approved routeings, timetable and stops.

"These measures facilitate enforcement against unauthorised RS services and help improve the traffic condition in the busy areas in Central and Wan Chai," said the spokesman.

The Transport Department has written to the trade and individual operators reminding them of the need of adhering to the approved routeings and stops.

End/Friday, August 25, 2000

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