Hong Kong ferry company to launch first breastfeeding station on public transport
First Ferry will initially launch a nursing room on one of its ferries and equip more vessels if the trial is successful
Mothers in Hong Kong who breastfeed their children while they are out have something to applaud as a ferry operator is set to launch what it calls “the first-ever nursing room on public transport” on one of its ferries.
The HK$150,000 nursing room has been installed in a First Ferry triple-deck vessel sailing between Central and the outlying islands. The service will start on Friday.
Alex Choi, director and general manager of First Ferry, said they had provided the facility in response to an appeal by the government to provide a comfortable and personal space for breastfeeding mothers when they were out and to promote the concept in the city.
The 4.6 square metre nursing room can accommodate two mothers and is equipped with air-conditioning, a sofa, diaper pad, washing basin, hand dryer and emergency bell.
While the breastfeeding station is situated in the deluxe-class cabin, any mother on board can use the facility by notifying crew members.
First Ferry will implement the scheme on three other ferries sailing between Central and the outlying islands if the trial is successful. The operator currently has a fleet of 16 ferries travelling on these routes.