Hong Kong trams to keep fares at current level, but any increase next year depends on tourism revival, operator says

New managing director Paul Tirvaudey says fare increases next year dependent on return of tourists, 15 to 20 per cent of passengers, to city

Payment options to be widened and free tram rides to run for five days from July 1 anniversary of city’s return to Chinese rule

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Trams will offer free rides from July 1-5 to coincide with the celebration of the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong Kong’s return to Chinese rule. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 11:22pm, 26 Jun 2023Updated: 11:11am, 27 Jun 2023

Fares on Hong Kong’s trams will not go up this year, but the service’s operator said a decision on an increase in 2024 depended on the recovery of the tourism industry.

Hong Kong Tramways’ new managing director Paul Tirvaudey on Monday said that last July’s adult fare increase of 15.4 per cent, up from HK$2.60 to HK$3 (38 US cents) for a ride had helped recovery amid a drop in passenger numbers and loss of revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It had a positive effect, because it brought more revenue, and helped us to recover,” Tirvaudey explained.

Hong Kong Tramways managing director Paul Tirvaudey says tourists made up 15 to 20 per cent of passengers before Covid-19 hit the city. Photo: Jonathan Wong

But he warned business had not “fully recovered” and depended on the number of tourists who visited the city.

Tirvaudey said tourists made up 15 to 20 per cent of passengers before Covid-19 hit the city.

“We depend on the coming back of tourists,” he added.

Fares rose by 15.4 per cent for children as well last year, going from HK$1.30 to HK$1.50 for young riders. The fare for elderly people went up 10 cents to HK$1.30.

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