I was pleased to see that the Star Ferry considered my concern over marine safety in the harbour to be justified in their responding letter 'Safety assured on Star Ferry' (South China Morning Post, June 25). Perhaps the Marine Police could add its weight to the discussion so that Star Ferry passengers and others using public transport across the harbour and further afield can look forward to safe and pleasant experiences on a daily basis.
In order to cut down on turbulence produced by large and small fast-moving vessels, surely it is possible for the Marine Department to set maximum speeds so as to reduce swell. Would eight kilometres per hour be practical? Although there seems to be many offenders the vessels serving Discovery Bay stand out.
Of course, moving the Discovery Bay berth east of the Star Ferry area has not proved to be the most brilliant of moves.
As the waterfront develops, is there a chance of moving the Disco Bay terminal west of Star Ferry? Turning to the Star Ferry operation, being the cheapest way to cross the harbour it tends to attract the elderly and the young as both segments seek out the 'best deals'.
However, for anybody less than completely mobile, or the very mature, there is real danger in trying to board the ferry as the gang plank is often lurching up and down violently despite one staff member overseeing embarkation and disembarkation.
What happens when wheelchairs and occupants try to board I have yet to see, or are they discouraged from using the ferries? On a pure comfort level, can the Star Ferry advise readers how many of its vessels are air conditioned? I seem to remember there were promises made at the time of price hikes that all ferries would offer an air-conditioned section - then the longer crossings could be endured at room temperature.