Discovery Bay ferry commuters in Hong Kong may face fare increase of 60%
- Adults may have to pay HK$53.60, the elderly HK$33.60 and students and children under 12 HK$26.80 under ferry operator’s proposal
- District councillor Jonathan Chow calls proposal ‘unacceptable’, says more than 300 Discovery Bay residents expressed opposition
Hongkongers travelling between Central and Discovery Bay by ferry may have to pay up to HK$73.60 (US$9.40) per trip under a proposal by the service operator that transport authorities are currently reviewing.
In a paper submitted to the Central and Western District Council, the Transport Department said it had received an application from the operator suggesting raising the fare by 60 per cent for all tickets to alleviate their financial difficulties, except for children aged below one.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services told the government that the ‘Central – Discovery Bay’ licensed ferry service had been affected by factors, such as rising operating costs and a declining number of customers.
“Even after the government had provided special assistance measures to the ferry service since 2020 to alleviate its financial burden, its financial situation was unsatisfactory and losses have been incurred so far,” it said.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services, a subsidiary of developer HKR International, operates the 25-minute ferry trips to and from the Lantau Island development, popular with the expat community.
For residents using Octopus Cards recognised by Discovery Bay Services Management, a single trip fare will be increased from HK$33.50 to HK$53.60 for adults, from HK$21 to HK$33.60 for those aged 65 or above, and from HK$16.80 to HK$26.80 for full-time students aged under 26 and children under 12.
A single trip fare for those using non-registered Octopus Cards will be raised from HK$46 to HK$73.60 for adults and from HK$23 to HK$36.80 for those who are 65 or older and children under 12.
Prices for holders of T-Cards, a travel pass of 20 trips, will be raised from HK$730 to HK$1,168 for adults and from HK$365 to HK$584 for elderly aged 65 or over and children under 12.
The Transport Department said it was examining the application, which would be processed based on the established mechanism.
“The [department] will strictly perform its gatekeeping job to minimise the impact of the fare adjustments on passengers, while at the same time helping the ferry operator to maintain their financial stability and providing sustainable ferry services to passengers,” it said.
“The [department] will take into account various factors including the operator’s financial situation, operating costs, forecasts of changes in revenue and return, past performance of the service, and the public acceptance of the adjustment.”
District councillor Jonathan Chow Yuen-kuk said more than 300 Discovery Bay residents opposed the plan during a meeting last month.
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“Representing the residents, I think the adjustment is unacceptable. Under the current uncertain economic situation, increasing the fare substantially will add to the heavy burden faced by middle-class people who are not eligible for most social welfare measures,” he said.
“For families with young children, the burden on them will be heavier as some of them have to travel to schools and return home by ferry every day. They have told me that they are very concerned.”
In 2018, the ferry company also prompted anger from residents for terminating its late-night service to and from Central.
