The Star Ferry has applied for a fare increase, and plans to double the fare for the route between Central and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui. The fare for holidays is as high as 8.4 yuan.
The Legislative Council Transportation Committee discussed the project today (25th). Member of the Legislative Council of the Federation of Trade Unions Lu Songxiong proposed to divide the charges for tourists and local tourists, describing that "tourists charge 10 yuan for a trip and feel it is worth it." Tourism member Yao Sirong objected, He pointed out that Hong Kong must rebuild its "tourist-friendly" image, and suggested that the Star Ferry Pier should be turned into a tourist project to increase the income of the Star Ferry.
Lu Songxiong advocates that tourists should charge more: the sights and wind blowing are all here, and Yao Pakliang advocates adding elements of attractions
Lu Songxiong is worried that after the fare increase, fewer citizens will take the ferry. In the end, "because of the increase, the price will be reduced", he suggested to separate the tourist price from the local passenger price: "Even if you charge 10 yuan for a trip, tourists may think it is worth it. As a check-in hotspot, appreciate it. Such a beautiful view of Victoria Harbour, with the sea breeze blowing, it’s a great value!" He also said that the current discount for the elderly is that all public transportation is 2 yuan per trip, which means that there is no incentive for the elderly to take the ferry or tram. He thinks that the government can introduce A RMB 1 car ride discount for the elderly encourages the elderly to take small ferries or trams and preserve historically valuable means of transportation.
Yao Boliang pointed out that many citizens think that the double price increase is too high, and it is difficult to maintain the operation of the Star Ferry Terminal after the price increase. He suggested that the Transport and Housing Bureau cooperate with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to turn the facilities of the Star Ferry Terminal into a cultural and tourism project, such as revitalizing The Star Ferry Terminal, the addition of dining venues, etc., and the increase in commercial operating space are believed to help the Star Ferry maintain a healthy operating model.
He is also not in favor of dividing passenger charges, fearing that it will make passengers feel bad.
The general manager of Star Ferry Co., Ltd. Zhou Zhuoxian pointed out that he will study the feasibility of dividing passenger fares. He also said that the fare increase is a last resort. At present, the Star Ferry is still burning 1 million yuan per week. He expressed embarrassment that the public was surprised by the increase.
The Star Ferry will continue to study and optimize the space of the Star Ferry Pier and the Central Ferry Pier.
Tian Beichen accepts the increase: 40% of the other traffic is still flat Chen Xuefeng is worried about drinking poison to quench his thirst
Tian Beichen of the Practical Politics Roundtable said that citizens generally believe that the Star Ferry has important historical value and needs to make every effort to maintain the service. Even after the fare increase, it is still about 40% cheaper than other cross-sea transportation, so he accepts the one-way fare increase.
However, he mentioned that there are grassroots people who take the Star Ferry to cross the sea every day, and think that the Star Ferry cannot increase the monthly ticket price.
DAB Chen Xuefeng pointed out that he understands that the Star Ferry needs to increase the fare, but he has reservations about doubling the fare. He said that the Star Ferry is not a necessity, it is mainly for leisure, and citizens usually take it when they have time, and they are worried about the decrease in passenger numbers after the fare increase.
The fare increase application will be consulted with the "Transportation Advisory Committee" at the same time, and then the government will submit a proposal to the Executive Council. The new fare must be finalized by the Legislative Council through the "confirmation first, deliberation later" procedure.
Star fare increase｜Lu Songxiong advocates 10 passengers per journey. Yao Pak-liang said that it is not a countermeasure: adding more is difficult to operate. $8.4 one way, seniors don’t get free
