Starting this Sunday, passengers traveling on the Discovery Bay ferry to and from Central will need to budget a little extra for their trips. The ferry operator has announced fare increases of up to 21 percent, affecting various passenger groups.
For adult residents using Octopus Cards registered with the ferry operator, the fare will rise from HK$33.5 to HK$38.2 per trip. Seniors aged 65 or above will see their fares increase to HK$24, while full-time students under 26 and children under 12 will pay HK$19.1 per trip.
Passengers without registered cards will face a higher increase, with prices going up from HK$46 to HK$55.8. The discounted rate for seniors and children will also rise from HK$23 to HK$27.9 per trip. Despite these increases, it’s worth noting that the approved hike is lower than the 60 percent originally requested by the ferry operator, Discovery Bay Transportation Services.
The Transport Department, in a document submitted to Islands District Council, explained that the fares were last raised in June 2018. Since then, the number of passengers has decreased while operating costs have continued to rise. The department highlighted that the revenue generated by the ferry service has not been enough to cover these increasing costs, especially with a double-digit inflation rate since the last fare adjustment.
Authorities considered various factors in approving the fare hike, including operating costs, revenues, and public acceptance of the increase. The department emphasized the importance of the ferry operator exploring feasible measures to improve its financial situation moving forward.
As passengers prepare to pay more for their ferry rides, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind the fare increase. While no one likes to see prices go up, it’s crucial for the sustainability of the ferry service in the long run. By balancing the needs of passengers and the financial health of the operator, both the authorities and the ferry operator are working to ensure that this mode of transportation remains a viable option for residents and visitors alike.
In light of these changes, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and factor in the new fares when budgeting for their journeys. While fare increases are never easy to accept, they are sometimes necessary to keep essential services running smoothly. Stay informed, stay prepared, and continue to support the local transportation services that keep our communities connected.