Ferry firms to increase fares this month, as Lamma residents face hike of 22%
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong’s ferry companies are to hike fares by up to 22 per cent from Sunday, September 24.
Despite a controversy over its bid to double the price of tickets, the Hong Kong Kowloon Ferry (HKKF) company will increase fares for journeys between Central and Lamma Island by 22 per cent. Residents and local politicians rallied against HKKF’s original proposal, as the firm cited rising costs and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adult fares between between Central and Lamma’s Sok Kwu Wan will increase from HK$22.1 to HK$27.5 from September 24 – a rise of over 22 per cent.
Sunday and public holiday fares will rise from HK$30.80 to HK$38.70, with return tickets up from HK$40.20 to HK$49.90. Monthly tickets will rise from HK$777 to HK$827.
The firm, which operates the Peng Chau, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan routes, last raised fares in 2021, local media previously reported. With ferries being the only transportation mode for the islands, concerned Lamma residents submitted a petition with 536 signatures opposing the increase to a District Council meeting in May, InMedia reported.
Sun Ferry services
Sun Ferry, which operates services to Cheung Chau, Lantau’s Mui Wo, and runs an inter-island ferry cited a “substantial increase of operational costs and expenses” on Monday for its looming price hikes.
Adult fares for ordinary ferries to Cheung Chau will rise from HK$14.20 to HK$14.80, whilst fast ferry fares will increase from HK$28.10 to HK$29.2. Sunday and public holiday trips will see a hike from HK$21.20 to HK$22 for ordinary ferries, whilst fast ferry fares will rise from HK$40.70 to HK$42.30.
For Mui Wo journeys, adult fares for ordinary ferries will rise from HK$16.60 to HK$17.20, whilst fast ferry fares will increase from HK$32.80 to HK$34.10. Sunday and public holiday trips will see a hike from HK$24.60 to HK$25.60 for ordinary ferries, whilst fast ferry fares will rise from HK$47.10 to HK$48.90.
In April, the Transport Department said it would handle applications for ferry fare hikes in a “prudent manner… taking into account the operators’ financial situation and prospects, public acceptability and affordability.”
Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry increased its fares by more than 50 per cent in April, after the government approved price adjustments aimed at helping the 125-year-old service operator recover from heavy losses and cope with rising operational costs.
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