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Important Notice on Hire Car Operations Update (27 July 2007)
27 Jul 2007


IMPORTANT NOTICE

27 July 2007

 

Dear Discovery Bay Resident,

 

Hire Car Operations – 2nd Update

 

Discovery Bay Transit Services Limited (DBTSL) and the Working Group (WG) of the City Owners Committee (COC) met officials of the Transport Department (TD) on 5 July and 6 July respectively on the Hire Car issue. We sincerely thank the TD officials for their valuable suggestions and the openness and flexibility they showed at the meetings.

 

DBTSL has applied to the TD for new permits to run the Hire Car service in its current mode

 

Although TD reiterated their stance of no waiver on the current permit conditions, they have acknowledged that the Road Traffic Regulations might allow for some flexibility in this respect.

 

As such, DBTSL has applied to the TD on 13 July 2007 for new permits that would allow the company to run the Hire Car service in its current mode.

 

DBTSL will continue to operate the Hire Car service if the essential elements are allowed

 

It is always the objective of DBTSL to provide a viable, efficient and environmentally-friendly Hire Car service that can meet the personalized transportation needs of the residents. In view of the special circumstances of Discovery Bay, the essential elements for hire cars to be operated by DBTSL would be those that allow share-use hire at separate fares and passenger pick-ups along the route.

 

We are grateful for the efforts of the WG in their meeting with TD, and will await the outcome of our application.

 

New operators may be needed to ensure a smooth transition

 

In the event that the application of new permits is not successful, DBTSL will withdraw from the Hire Car service. Nevertheless, it is not DBTSL’s wish to see the cancellation of the Hire Car service. Other external service providers may be interested in providing a compliant Hire Car service in Discovery Bay, or other modes of operation could be considered. DBTSL has no monopoly in the provision of transport services in Discovery Bay.

 

We would work with the COC, City Management and all other parties concerned to ensure a smooth transition.

 

DBTSL will continue to keep residents informed of any update on the hire car issue.

 

Thank you.

 

Discovery Bay Transit Services Limited