What do you think of the Mui Wo, Peng Chau ferry merger proposal?
I understand New World First Ferry is looking to merge the Mui Wo and Peng Chau ferry routes so the Mui Wo ferries would, in future, stop in Peng Chau. I find it hard to believe they would propose this, given the increase in the population of South Lantau and the fact ferries are regularly full when leaving Mui Wo.
I have lived in Mui Wo for many years, during the days when all ferries stopped at Peng Chau. Surely First Ferry does not wish to take us back 15 years to big slow ferries and one-hour journeys. If that were the case, the ferry company would presumably also revert the fares back to a price befitting the service. They increased fares with the fast ferries, so surely fares should be decreased with slower ferries and poorer service.
I also believe that they are contemplating discontinuing the 3am ferry, which goes to Peng Chau and Mui Wo. Surely cutting one ferry trip is hardly going to make a huge increase in profit.
I am sure there are other adjustments that could be made to the timetable if it would make that much difference.
Perhaps New World First Ferry should bear in mind that if a ferry journey is going to take longer than the road route to Hong Kong, then many people from Pui O, Tong Fuk, etc. may opt to travel via Tung Chung. How much money would they be losing then?