Department is neglecting needs of residents on outlying islands

I agree with Chan Lan-wai, chairman for the Lamma North Rural Committee and Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong, that outlying islands ferry fare increases are excessive ('Island ferry travellers hit by HK$4 fare rise', March 26).

For years island residents have engaged in dialogue with the Transport Department over the essential but monopolistic services provided by the ferry companies. The department says it listens, but appears to do no more than that. We hear how these firms have lost money for years on end - yet they remain in business - and how fares must increase due to rising fuel costs.

Residents note however that there is never a fare reduction when fuel prices fall. The companies eschew the concept of hedging in favour of passing every possible charge onto the island communities.

We have frequently been told the government does not subsidise or run transport services thus leaving island residents with a choice of substantially higher fares or reduced services, yet at the same time it holds a controlling interest in the MTR Corporation to which it grants land rights for above-station developments. The government was comfortable with total ownership of the KCR Corporation which transferred control of its line and rolling stock assets to the MTR Corp where the administration has a 76.8 per cent shareholding. Yet it has steadfastly refused to address the issue of essential services to island dwellers.

Island communities incorporate both lifestyle choice residents and, according to statistics, residents in the lower income brackets. The government has a duty to support these residents.

The current proposal of a HK$120 million annual subsidy to ferry operators is an acknowledgement by officials of the ongoing issue of sustainable ferry services, but is it a sticking plaster approach?