Plans to hike fares for Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry must take into account its status as an “important asset” as well as the public’s capacity to bear the higher costs, a transport advisor to the government has said.
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry. File photo: Kelly Ho/HKFP.The advisor’s comments came amid the ferry operator’s application to increase fees by 30 per cent, which was publicised last month.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Transport Advisory Committee chair Wong Sze-chun said that he and other advisors would balance the needs of the ferry operator with those of the public.
“The Star Ferry is an important asset to Hong Kong, so its ability to serve the public is quite vital. We must ensure the continuation of this service,” Wong said in Cantonese after a committee meeting to discuss the proposed fare hike.
“At the same time, we have considered the public’s level of acceptance regarding fare increases and their affordability,” he added. “These are the primary factors we weighed during our meeting.”
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry. File photo: Kelly Ho/HKFP.The Star Ferry runs two cross-harbour routes between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.
The proposal would see adult single weekday fares rise from HK$5 to HK$6.50, and weekend and public holiday fares go up from HK$6.50 to HK$8.50, according to a Transport and Logistics Bureau submission to the legislature last month.
The 138-year-old company cited plans to replace the engines of its vessels in the latter half of this year, the cost of which is estimated to top HK$10 million per ship.
It also brought up vessel maintenance and repair costs, rising staff costs, fuel expenditure, interest payments from debt, pier operating costs, and losses exceeding HK$100 million between 2018 and 2023.