Hong Kong’s Star Ferry to increase fares by up to 56 per cent on 2 cross-harbour routes as operator’s ‘overboard’ proposal rejected
- Adult fares for upper deck seats increased to around HK$5 on weekdays and HK$6.50 on weekends and holidays
- Executive Council expects Star Ferry to break even, or make slight profits, in one to two years with the price increase
Journeys aboard the Star Ferry across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour will cost up to 56 per cent more this spring after the government approved a fare increase for the 125-year-old transport operator struggling to remain in business as its financial woes mount.
The increase, taking effect on April 3, was less than what management had sought, but the key decision-making Executive Council expected the pricier tickets would allow the company to break even or earn a small profit in one or two years, sources told the Post on Tuesday.
Adults riding on the upper deck of the ferry running from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui will have to pay HK$5 on weekdays, up from HK$3.20, a 56 percent increase. Weekend journeys will cost HK$6.50, up from HK$4.20, a 55 per cent jump.
Fares for the lower deck will increase from HK$2.60 to HK$4 for weekday trips, and from HK$3.6 to HK$5.6 for weekend ones.
Full-price fares for the ferry going from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui will increase to the same levels.