Executive Council approves Star Ferry fare rise from January
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s Executive Council has approved a fare increase for Star Ferry’s two franchised routes between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, and between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, with the new fares taking effect on January 25. The approved increase is smaller than the operator originally sought, while the monthly pass will remain unchanged at HK$190.
Key Points
- The approved fare adjustment covers the Tsim Sha Tsui-Central and Tsim Sha Tsui-Wan Chai franchised ferry routes, and will take effect on January 25.
- Weekday fares will rise by HK$0.6 to HK$1.0 per trip, while Saturday, Sunday and public holiday fares will increase by HK$1.0 to HK$1.8.
- Adult upper-deck fares will be capped at HK$6.0 on weekdays and HK$8.3 on weekends and public holidays after the adjustment.
- Star Ferry had applied to raise one-way fares by HK$0.8 to HK$2.0 and to lift the monthly pass to HK$247, but the government approved a smaller increase and kept the pass at HK$190.
- The government said Star Ferry faces heavy financial pressure because passenger growth has been slow, room for cost-cutting is limited, and operating costs and debt interest expenses continue to rise.
Why It Matters
For regular commuters, the government is trying to soften the impact by keeping weekday increases lower than weekend increases and freezing the monthly pass price. For the operator, the decision is meant to support the long-term viability of a historic harbour service that the government says remains the cheapest cross-harbour public transport option, at about 30% to 50% below MTR or franchised bus fares.