IT was plain sailing on the first day of new ferry services yesterday as crews prepared for their big test - tomorrow morning's crowds of commuters.
New World First Ferry - which has taken over eight outlying island and inner-harbour routes from Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry (HYF) - said the first day was smooth and all ferries were on time.
The situation contrasted sharply with the chaotic opening of the three HYF outlying island routes last April, which resulted in the Transport Department being found guilty of maladministration by the Ombudsman.
First Ferry said that by 3pm yesterday 240 trips had been made carrying more than 23,000 passengers on an unchanged timetable.
The number of passengers was similar to the number carried on Saturdays before the transfer of routes.
Despite the smooth start, the new operator said there was room for improvement.
