I refer to the letter headlined 'Still waiting for ferry' (South China Morning Post, January 5), regarding the service between Aberdeen, Pak Kok and Yung Shue Wan, on Lamma. Your correspondent said Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd (HKKF) had not made good on its commitment to provide a sailing after 7pm from Aberdeen. On Monday to Saturday one sailing leaves from Aberdeen at 7pm (7.30pm on Sundays and public holidays), one from Yung Shue Wan at 7.30pm (7pm and 8pm, Sundays and holidays) and two ferries leave Pak Kok Tsuen at 7.20pm and 7.40pm (7.10pm, 7.50pm and 8.10pm, Sundays and holidays). HKKF told us that some Lamma residents had asked for the service mentioned by your correspondent and it agreed to monitor the situation to see if there was sufficient demand. It noted that in December the 7pm ferry had, on average, fewer than 25 passengers. The capacity is 50 passengers. It will not, therefore, provide an additional ferry after 7pm, but it does have a standby vessel which can be used if there is a sudden increase in passenger demand. Your correspondent mentioned sending an e-mail about the Aberdeen departures to the Transport Department and not getting a reply. We received a complaint regarding the early departure of a 4pm ferry from Aberdeen. That person also called for additional evening services. Our reply summarised what I have said in this letter. We will continue to monitor the service. Another correspondent wrote to these columns on January 12, regarding the proposed suspension of the Central-Pak Kok ferry. We have received an application for suspension from HKKF upon expiry of its licence in mid-April. We are now seeking the views of residents through their representatives on Islands District Council, about the provision of alternative services. We will inform people once we have made the necessary arrangements. LORRAINE YEUNG for Commissioner for Transport
