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Harvey Kong

Hong Kong transport authorities have proposed adjusting single-journey fares for six ferry routes from April 1, the first revision in nearly three years, with some journeys to rise by 12.5 per cent, while certain high-speed trips will become cheaper.
In a document submitted to the Islands District Council, the Transport Department said its fare adjustment proposal struck a balance between residents’ travel needs and the ferries’ financial viability.
Under the proposal, fares for one-way trips between Central and three piers on two outlying islands – Cheung Chau and Lamma Island’s Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan – would increase by 12.5 per cent.
For example, the price of a one-way adult ticket on the Central-Yung Shue Wan route between Monday and Saturday would increase from HK$22.10 (US$2.80) to HK$24.90.
Fares for an inter-island ferry route between Cheung Chau and Peng Chau would also be increased.
Meanwhile, two routes would have their regular and high-speed ferry fares consolidated.
For the Central-Mui Wo route, authorities proposed standardising the prices of the regular ferry and the high-speed one, setting the new fare at HK$33.50 for Mondays to Saturdays and HK$48.50 for Sundays and public holidays.
The proposed prices would be higher than the regular trips but lower than the current high-speed ferry fares, which stand at HK$34.10 from Mondays to Saturdays and HK$48.90 on Sundays and public holidays.
The Central-Peng Chau route, similarly, would see prices consolidated at HK$31.90 for the first six days of each week and HK$46.60 for Sundays and public holidays.
The proposed figures are higher than the original regular fares but lower than the high-speed ones, which are currently set at HK$36.90 and HK$54.30, respectively.
The department said the proposed adjustments were expected to take effect by the start of the next five-year licensing period, which begins on April 1.
Such a consolidation would allow residents to take the faster ferries at a lower price.
The department said ferry fares were last adjusted in September 2023.

It noted that ferry operators, namely Sun Ferry and the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, had applied for a fare increase due to falling ridership and an expected increase in operating costs.
The department said the proposed adjustment was “gentle” and “the most minimal”, striking a balance between the travel needs of outlying island residents and the concerned ferry routes’ financial viability.
“If we further lower the planned increases, the financial pressure on the operator would only continue to build. It would also be difficult to maintain the current service level of the route, and the fares may need a larger adjustment in the future,” it said.
Authorities also said that they would try to boost the long-term financial viability of the ferry operators to reduce any future pressure to raise ticket prices, for example, by encouraging them to rent out spaces at their harbour for commercial purposes.
“In the long term, the government will continue to improve ferry piers by enhancing facilities and aesthetics, so that it can increase the rental potential of commercial spaces,” the department said.
“This will assist operators in diversifying their revenue sources, thereby alleviating the pressure for fare adjustments and ensuring the continued stability of ferry operations.”


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Hong Kong

Transport

Proposal includes 12.5 per cent fare rise for one-way trips between Central and piers on Cheung Chau and Lamma, but consolidates fees elsewhere


Proposal includes 12.5 per cent fare rise for one-way trips between Central and piers on Cheung Chau and Lamma, but consolidates fees elsewhere.


Hong Kong authorities propose ferry fare adjustments to keep operators afloat

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Proposal includes 12.5 per cent fare rise for one-way trips between Central and piers on Cheung Chau and Lamma, but consolidates fees elsewhere

Proposal includes 12.5 per cent fare rise for one-way trips between Central and piers on Cheung Chau and Lamma, but consolidates fees elsewhere