There is often a price to pay for being different. The angst of Discovery Bay residents over the possible demise of a hire-car service that has breached the terms of its permit may raise a few wry smiles.
To many people, this waterside development on Lantau may still seem like an uninspiring expatriate enclave that has no right to expect exceptions to government rules. There may have been some truth in that once, as it was conceived as a resort and developed instead into a prosperous small town with an un-crowded, car-free, leafy environment. But these days it is a very cosmopolitan microcosm of Hong Kong, thanks in no small part to locals who now account for a large part of its population.
The hire-car service run by developer HKR International is the only alternative to the shuttle buses to the ferry pier and shopping centre - in effect the taxi service. It breaks the rules by making unscheduled pick-ups and allowing ride-sharing, instead of catering only for passengers who make single bookings in advance. The flexibility suits most residents, but not parents and wheelchair-bound people who often find themselves unable to obtain hire-car transport when they need it. After receiving a complaint, the Transport Department has reminded HKR to comply with its permit. HKR says this would make the service untenable.
Without the minibuses and taxis to be found in the rest of Hong Kong, the transport arrangements for Discovery Bay have become outdated. A viable taxi service of some kind is needed. It is now an established part of the city with its own identity and community spirit. Considerable effort has gone into maintaining a lifestyle of choice, although one that usually comes at a price. Development aimed at attracting more people to live there or to visit continues, including improved dining choices, an ESF school and more shops.
For Discovery Bay residents, scrapping the hire-car service would be a bit like saying there will be no more taxis on Hong Kong Island. The Transport Department has proposed alternatives to a simple waiver of the restrictions. Flexibility on both sides is needed to ensure that a community of 17,000 has adequate means of transport.