This undated photo shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (PHOTO / VCG)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced on Thursday that the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will extend the trial phase of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Greater Bay Area Quota Scheme.

The decision was taken to better utilize the longest bridge-cum-tunnel sea crossing in the world and facilitate the flow of people and vehicles between the three places, the department said in a statement. 

Letters will be issued from the end of November to eligible quota holders who own Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars inviting them to submit applications from Dec 1, it added.

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Under the trial phase of the scheme, owners of eligible Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars must hold necessary licenses or permits for the three places, and must be allocated a quota to travel between Hong Kong and Macao via the bridge and between Hong Kong and Guangdong via one of the land crossings.

In addition, these vehicle owners will be approved to use the Hengqin Port to travel between Guangdong and Macao, and, where applicable, to use the Shenzhen Bay Port to travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

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Some 400 Hong Kong cross-boundary private car owners will benefit from the trial phase, according to the department.

Regarding the validity period of each quota allocation under the trial phase, the department said it will be no longer than that of a private car’s originally approved crossings.