https://www.scmp.com/rss/521778/feed Star Ferry: Hong Kong-based, The "Star" Ferry Company, Limited, is an iconic transportation and tourism entity. Established in 1888, it primarily offers passenger ferry services across Victoria Harbour, connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, serving both local commuters and tourists. Renowned for its inexpensive and scenic crossings, it is recognised as a "place of a lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler and rated among the world’s most exciting ferry rides. The company also provides... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Fare increases might be inevitable as Hong Kong sets a course towards a brighter future after the recent economic doldrums. However, as transport authorities propose price rises on six key ferry routes, efforts to ensure operators stay afloat must be balanced with exploration of ways to diversify their revenue streams so fares remain affordable. It is good that the government has acted as a pragmatic gatekeeper, rejecting an initial operator request for increases of up to 30 per cent. However,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346487/sustainable-ferry-services-vital-hongkongers-outlying-islands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346487/sustainable-ferry-services-vital-hongkongers-outlying-islands?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:45:15 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin District councillors representing Hong Kong’s outlying islands have opposed a plan to raise selected ferry fares by up to 12.8 per cent, arguing that it will discourage the elderly from travelling and harm the local economy. Members of Islands District Council on Tuesday all raised concerns that another fare increase could be sought in response to soaring fuel prices. The remarks were made as the Transport Department briefed council members on the fare adjustment proposal for six key ferry... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346137/district-councillors-oppose-ferry-fare-rises-outlying-island-routes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346137/district-councillors-oppose-ferry-fare-rises-outlying-island-routes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:07:28 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong transport authorities have proposed adjusting single-journey fares for six ferry routes from April 1, the first revision in nearly three years, with some journeys to rise by 12.5 per cent, while certain high-speed trips will become cheaper. In a document submitted to the Islands District Council, the Transport Department said its fare adjustment proposal struck a balance between residents’ travel needs and the ferries’ financial viability. Under the proposal, fares for one-way trips... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345817/hong-kong-authorities-propose-ferry-fare-adjustments-keep-operators-afloat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345817/hong-kong-authorities-propose-ferry-fare-adjustments-keep-operators-afloat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:18:39 +0000 Theodora Yu,Connor Mycroft Theodora Yu,Connor Mycroft The pedestrian footbridge linking Hong Kong’s Central Pier with the International Financial Centre (IFC) will be demolished and replaced by a temporary one, with Wednesday marking its last day open to the public. A new temporary passageway, located near the current footbridge, will be open for use on Thursday, according to Henderson Land Development. On Wednesday, some residents came to take a final look at the old bridge before its closure. Lukas Mok, 25, was among those snapping photos to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343929/footbridge-linking-hong-kongs-central-pier-ifc-close-demolition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343929/footbridge-linking-hong-kongs-central-pier-ifc-close-demolition?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:01:53 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Sammy Kam Chi-sum, the primary architect of Hong Kong’s contactless Octopus cards, is retiring after nearly 30 years with the company at the end of this month, before what he says is an inevitable transition to a technology that will not even require tapping for certain transactions. Octopus’s chief operations officer began his journey in 1995 when he joined the MTR Corporation’s marketing team to help launch what would become the world’s first contactless system that revolutionised public... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3337731/architect-hong-kongs-octopus-card-retires-dreams-tap-free-technology?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3337731/architect-hong-kongs-octopus-card-retires-dreams-tap-free-technology?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:35:26 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s transport authorities have requested an investigation report after a Sun Ferry vessel carrying passengers crashed into Central Pier while docking, damaging the facility. Police received a report at 9.33am on Sunday from a passer-by that the three-deck Sun Ferry vessel “Xin Chao” from Cheung Chau had collided with Pier No 5 while docking. A part of the pier’s staircase railing was broken and bent in another section, with debris scattered across the ground. According to the force’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333846/ferry-smashes-hong-kongs-central-pier-damaging-structure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333846/ferry-smashes-hong-kongs-central-pier-damaging-structure?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:59:17 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Elderly residents in Hong Kong are enjoying a slew of perks on Sunday, from free rides to discounted meals, as the city marks Senior Citizens Day. Established in 1979, the celebration is held on the third Sunday of November to recognise the contributions of the elderly and raise public awareness of care for the aged. The Post highlights some major giveaways, as more than 400 organisations and merchants with over 3,800 outlets are rolling out special promotions. Free MTR offers Residents aged 65... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332973/senior-citizens-day-hong-kong-treats-elderly-free-rides-meal-deals-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332973/senior-citizens-day-hong-kong-treats-elderly-free-rides-meal-deals-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:04:41 +0000 Gavin Yeung Gavin Yeung Hong Kong’s sheer density means that the traditional music festival experience, where fans camp overnight near the performance stages, is nigh on impossible to find. The CT Music Fest is betting on an antidote. For its third edition, the event – organised entirely by local Hong Kong musicians – is swapping its previous venues (a 300-person Star Ferry and a giant Central club) for something radically different: a three-day, two-night camp-out. Running from November 21 to 23, the festival is... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3332776/hong-kongs-ct-music-fest-goes-camping-cheung-chau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3332776/hong-kongs-ct-music-fest-goes-camping-cheung-chau?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:12 +0000 Crystal Wu,Yuki Tsang Crystal Wu,Yuki Tsang Hong Kong’s classic white-and-green Star Ferry has been sailing across Victoria Harbour for over 120 years, transporting passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. However, it has not been smooth sailing. The ferry has managed to stay afloat amid turbulent waters, including the 1966 riots, World War II, and the Covid-19 pandemic. How did a HK$4 (US$0.50) ferry ride transform from a mere transport tool into a Hong Kong icon? This episode of Hong Kong Authentic takes you through the history... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3319682/war-covid-19-how-hong-kongs-star-ferry-stayed-afloat-last-127-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3319682/war-covid-19-how-hong-kongs-star-ferry-stayed-afloat-last-127-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:00:36 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Jiang Chuqin,Leopold Chen Lo Hoi-ying,Jiang Chuqin,Leopold Chen From free museum visits and tram rides to discounted meals and fun runs, residents and tourists took full advantage of offers by thousands of businesses, braving the frequent showers to revel in the celebrations to mark the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Rows of bright red national and Hong Kong flags adorned the streets and tourist attractions on Tuesday, as around 3,800 restaurants offered special discounts, hoping to attract diners and boost spending. A parade... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316491/hong-kong-residents-and-tourists-revel-handover-anniversary-festivities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316491/hong-kong-residents-and-tourists-revel-handover-anniversary-festivities?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:56:31 +0000