Hong Kong’s Transport Advisory Committee discussed Star Ferry’s application to raise fares on its Central–Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui franchised routes on August 27. No proposed increase was disclosed, and the application is awaiting the committee’s recommendation to the government.
Committee members considered whether Star Ferry’s financial position was sufficient to maintain its services, as well as the public’s acceptance of a fare rise and passengers’ ability to afford it.
Committee chairman Wong Si-chun (黃仕進) said he believed the public should be able to accept a fare increase. The committee will submit its recommendation to the government after the discussion; the reports did not state whether the government had made a final decision.
Star Ferry also intends to introduce a pet ride-sharing service. The committee considered that the proposal could increase non-fare revenue and ease the company’s financial pressure, although the reports did not confirm that the service will be launched.
The reports did not disclose the proposed fare increase or any implementation date. They also did not say which routes the pet service would cover or how much it would cost.