Hong Kong tram fares will rise by 10 per cent this month. Photo: Sam TsangContent provided by British Council
[1] Hong Kong authorities have approved a 10 per cent increase in tram fares. Most adults will now pay HK$3.30 for a ride starting this month. The tram operator is also planning to launch a mobile app that will give real-time arrival information.
[2] Starting from May 12, the new fares will be in place, matching the 10 per cent increase that Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) suggested in February. The government said the fare hike, which they described as “acceptable,” is needed for the tram service to keep running smoothly.
[3] “The government will continue to encourage and assist HKT to explore different revenue sources, especially to tie in with the concept of ‘tourism is everywhere’ to capitalise on new opportunities arising from the latest developments in the tourism landscape, while preserving its historical value,” a spokesman said.
[4] The government announced that the operator plans to launch a new mobile app this quarter to give information about services, like real-time tram arrival times. Fares for adults and children aged 12 and older will increase by 10 per cent to HK$3.30 from HK$3. Children under 12 will pay HK$1.60, which is a 6.7 per cent rise from the current fare of HK$1.50.
[5] The fare for passengers aged 65 and older will go up by 15 per cent, from HK$1.30 to HK$1.50. However, the price of a monthly ticket will stay the same at HK$260 because the government wants to help daily tram users.
[6] The trams, affectionately known as “ding dings” for the sound of their bells, run along Hong Kong Island and are one of the earliest forms of public transport in the city, stretching back 120 years. The government said the operator had been facing competition from other modes of public transport since its last fare adjustment in July 2022.
[7] “Patronage has not recovered to the pre-pandemic level, while the potential to further increase non-fare box revenue, currently accounting for about 50 per cent of HKT’s total revenue, is rather limited,” it said. “At the same time, the operating costs and staff costs of HKT have been rising continuously.” Renewal of tracks and upgrading tram cars will be among the firm’s investments.
Source: South China Morning Post, April 8
Questions
1. According to paragraph 1, the new app will tell passengers …
A. how many people are on the tram.
B. when the tram will arrive.
C. the name of the tram driver.
D. all of the above
2. In paragraph 2, why did the government say the price increase was needed?
3. How much more will a monthly ticket cost after the price increment, according to paragraph 5?
4. Based on paragraph 6, what are Hong Kong trams also called and why? (2 marks)
5. Find a word in paragraph 7 that refers to the number of people who use the tram.
6. Decide whether the following statements are written in the active or passive voice. (3 marks)
(i) The revised fares will take effect on May 12.
(ii) The fare for older passengers will be increased by 15 per cent.
(iii) Younger passengers will need to pay HK$1.60.
Answers
1. B
2. for the operator to maintain stable operations
3. It will cost the same.
4. They are called “ding dings” because of the sound of their bells.
5. patronage
6. (i) active; (ii) passive; (iii) active