Government may back down on ferry service cuts: lawmaker

The government may back down from its proposed cut of non-peak ferry services for Lamma, Peng Chau and Mui Wo, although it may not fully satisfy residents' demands, a lawmaker has said.

Leung Yiu-chung, lawmaker of the Neighbourhood and Workers' Service Centre, said Cathy Chu Man-ling, deputy secretary for transport and housing, had promised him that the government would consider enhancing non-peak-hour ferry services to once every 50 minutes. The government last month proposed extending such services from once every 40 to 45 minutes to once an hour.

It also wanted to cancel overnight sailings and allow the use of slow vessels in an attempt to attract tenders for the four routes between Central and Sok Kwu Wan, Yung Shue Wan, Peng Chau and Mui Wo - whose franchises expire in June.

Ms Chu also told Mr Leung it was possible to delay the start of the non-peak period from 8.30am to 10am on weekdays, the lawmaker said.

However, when asked to retain the overnight sailings, Ms Chu responded in a less encouraging manner, Mr Leung said.

He also said Peng Chau residents believed any fare rise should be in line with the inflation rate.