More the merrier for bus industry at Huanggang

An industry representative for non-franchised bus operators has welcomed the government's decision to introduce franchised services at the redeveloped Huanggang port.

This came after Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Wednesday a new interchange would be set up at the crossing for services that would include seven franchised bus as well as various minibus and cross-boundary coach services.

Currently, franchised bus lines do not run to the redeveloped port, which the State Council said should be commissioned by July 31 and whose official opening date has yet to be announced by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Thursday, Hong Kong Non-Franchised Bus Association chairman Eddie Choi said the extra competition should not be a problem as the upgraded facility would attract more travellers at the crossing.

"We expect passenger throughput at the upgraded facility to more than double after its opening compared with now," he said.

"Of course, once franchised bus services are introduced, competition will be more intense.

"However, as the port is expected to see more passenger throughput – rising from the current 40,000 per day to 200,000, or even more in the future – there must be a corresponding increase in transportation facilities to cope with the greater numbers. As such, we think that fair competition is a good thing."

There will also be no direct railway connection to the new Huanggang port for the near future – as the Northern Link Spur Line is not expected to reach the facility for another eight years.

However, DAB lawmaker Ben Chan said he believes other public transport options would be sufficient to cope with the increased foot traffic.

“The Transport Department will approve new franchised bus routes, and I know they will connect to multiple districts," he said on the same programme.

"I hope the increased bus frequency will be sufficient. Also, we already have cross-border coaches currently in operation, and they will continue to run.

"Right beside Huanggang port sits the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point. It is currently in operation and provides a railway service."

The Legco House Committee held a special meeting on Thursday to discuss a bill to implement co-location arrangements at Huanggang port.

Chan said lawmakers would make sure the bill is passed as soon as possible, noting that Legco is experienced after having vetted similar co-location clearance arrangements for the Shenzhen Bay port and the checkpoint at the West Kowloon high-speed rail station.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...