THE reintroduction of triple-decker ferries is being considered to ease tensions with Peng Chau commuters.
But Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Company chiefs warned that extra operating costs incurred by the switch would mean higher fares.
The company's corporate communications manager, Nancy Leung Chui-ying, said: 'Triple-deckers apply pressure on operating costs of three to five per cent.
'We need to hire extra people to man the boats on board and for docking. A bigger boat also needs more fuel.' She said the company was studying passenger figures and travel patterns to determine the size of boats needed for Peng Chau.
She said the service, which serves 6,000 daily commuters, was losing money.
Last week, angry commuters refused to disembark from one of the company's catamarans during a 16-hour stand-off at the island's pier.
