Discovery Bay ferry commuters in Hong Kong may face fare increase of 60%
- Adults may have to pay HK$53.60, the elderly HK$33.60 and students and children under 12 HK$26.80 under ferry operator’s proposal
- District councillor Jonathan Chow calls proposal ‘unacceptable’, says more than 300 Discovery Bay residents expressed opposition
Hongkongers travelling between Central and Discovery Bay by ferry may have to pay up to HK$73.60 (US$9.40) per trip under a proposal by the service operator that transport authorities are currently reviewing.
In a paper submitted to the Central and Western District Council, the Transport Department said it had received an application from the operator suggesting raising the fare by 60 per cent for all tickets to alleviate their financial difficulties, except for children aged below one.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services told the government that the ‘Central – Discovery Bay’ licensed ferry service had been affected by factors, such as rising operating costs and a declining number of customers.
“Even after the government had provided special assistance measures to the ferry service since 2020 to alleviate its financial burden, its financial situation was unsatisfactory and losses have been incurred so far,” it said.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services, a subsidiary of developer HKR International, operates the 25-minute ferry trips to and from the Lantau Island development, popular with the expat community.
For residents using Octopus Cards recognised by Discovery Bay Services Management, a single trip fare will be increased from HK$33.50 to HK$53.60 for adults, from HK$21 to HK$33.60 for those aged 65 or above, and from HK$16.80 to HK$26.80 for full-time students aged under 26 and children under 12.