Discovery Bay developer eyes longer taxi trial amid safety fears

The developer of Hong Kong’s Discovery Bay is considering extending its trial period and limiting operating hours for cabbies to gain full access to the resort-style seaside community amid opposition from some residents.The Islands District Council’s Traffic and Transport Committee held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the paper presented by Hong Kong Resort Company in the presence of more than 20 residents who held differing views on the plan.Before the meeting, supporters and opponents of the plan separately submitted petitions to transport authorities.Representatives from the district council, Transport Department, Police and HKR International were present to discuss the company’s plan for unrestricted urban and Lantau taxi access and four new ranks.Hong Kong Resort Company is a subsidiary of HKR International.During the hour-long meeting, district councillors accused the developer of having an opaque public consultation process and pressed its representatives on how they would ensure road safety once taxis were granted full access.