Transport Advisory Committee Reviews Star Ferry Price Hike Application
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Transport Advisory Committee convened on June 27 to deliberate Star Ferry's application to increase fares on the Central-Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui routes. Committee Chairman Wong Siu-chun stated that members have weighed the ferry operator's long-term financial viability against public acceptance of the proposed price adjustments. The committee will submit its recommendations to the government for final consideration by the Chief Executive in Council.
Key Points
- The proposed fare increase ranges from HK$0.8 to HK$2 per journey, averaging approximately 30 percent across affected routes
- The adult weekday fare on the Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui route would rise from HK$5 to HK$6 under the proposed scheme
- Chairman Wong Siu-chun emphasized that the committee has carefully balanced Star Ferry's fiscal needs with passengers' ability to afford the service
- The committee expressed support for Star Ferry's plan to introduce pet-friendly shared rides, believing this could enhance non-ticket revenue and alleviate financial pressure
- Star Ferry operates two franchised cross-harbour routes connecting Central and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui
Why It Matters
The fare review comes at a critical time for Star Ferry, which has faced mounting operational costs amid declining ridership on Hong Kong's iconic cross-harbour ferry service. The committee's endorsement of innovative revenue streams such as pet-friendly rides signals a potential shift in how traditional public transport operators may diversify income sources while maintaining essential services for daily commuters.
The fare review comes at a critical time for Star Ferry, which has faced mounting operational costs amid declining ridership on Hong Kong's iconic cross-harbour ferry service. The committee's endorsement of innovative revenue streams such as pet-friendly rides signals a potential shift in how traditional public transport operators may diversify income sources while maintaining essential services for daily commuters.