The new cross-boundary route linking Zhuhai Port and Shenzhen Bay Port via the HZMB opens. [Photo by Chen Xinnian/Zhuhai Media Group]

A new cross-boundary bus route linking Zhuhai Port and Shenzhen Bay Port via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) opened on Nov 1 – providing direct transportation between the two destinations for the first time.

Some 21 round trips will run along the route every day, with a travel time of 75 minutes.

Duan Guoqin, deputy director of the HZMB management bureau, said the service not only accelerated the mobility of residents between Shenzhen and Zhuhai but also further utilized the transportation convenience of the HZMB.

"After the opening of this cross-border passenger route, we can now travel from Shenzhen to Macao via the HZMB, saving at least 80 minutes compared with taking the Humen Bridge and we don't have to worry about traffic jams anymore," said a woman surnamed Lin, who was the first to take the cross-border bus.

However, of particular note is that since passengers need to enter Hong Kong from Shenzhen Bay Port, they need to prepare a visa endorsement for entering.