XN000022-1996-05-17 — Page 15

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Tenders for Tung Chung and new airport bus routes received

The Transport Department received bids from three tenderers for the operation of the two packages of bus routes to serve the new developments in Tung Chung and the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

A spokesman for the department today (Friday) said the two packages include a total of 25 bus routes and each package comprised a balanced mix of services.

All three tenderers bid for package 1 while only two of them bid for package 2.

The spokesman said of the 25 bus routes, 19 were conventional services comprising seven long-distance routes linking the new airport with other districts in the territory, eight shuttle routes serving Tung Chung and the Chek Lap Kok Island, and four overnight routes to cover the 24-hour operation of the new airport.

Some of these conventional bus routes are multi-functional and will have buses provided with luggage facilities.

In addition, there are six airbus routes connecting the new airport with major hotels and the commercial areas.

The spokesman said operators of airbus routes would be expected to provide a delicated premium service with upmarket air-conditioned vehicles and a wide range of customer-oriented facilities.

"Some of the routes will commence operation in mid-1997 to tie in with the first population intake in Tung Chung New Town and the build-up of airport employees.

"The bus network will be fully operational upon the opening of the new airport," the spokesman said.

The tender selection process would start immediately.

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