A new audit report has revealed that the "Central – Tsim Sha Tsui" ferry route has been plagued by skipped sailings. An Audit Commission site inspection found that while the service schedule stipulates a departure every six minutes, the actual frequency was one sailing every ten minutes, resulting in six skipped sailings during the observation period.
Speaking on a radio program today (April 30), Member of the Legislative Council Chan Hok-fung noted that there had been relatively few complaints about the skipped sailings in the past, likely because the route is used mainly by tourists and a difference of a few minutes has little impact on them. However, he stressed that since the Transport Department has set such service frequency requirements, the ferry operator has a responsibility to meet them. The Transport Department needs to review how to impose higher standards or stricter enforcement terms on the ferry company in light of this incident.
The Audit Commission also uncovered that the average age of some vessels exceeds 60 years, with ageing ships posing maintenance difficulties. Mr Chan said he was more concerned about vessel safety. While certain vintage vessels have been retained as tourist photo spots, he expressed the hope that the ferry operator would invest more in maintenance costs, and that the government should also play its part in monitoring.
On the issue of declining operating revenue for ferry operators, Mr Chan attributed it to the strong post-pandemic trend of Hongkongers travelling northbound to spend, which has led to a fall in demand across all ferry routes. He therefore called for a review of how to support these routes and make better use of pier facilities. He also noted that the audit report had revealed that some pier retail units had been left vacant for extended periods, arguing that the government bears some responsibility. He pointed out that in the past, when operators wanted to hold events, it could take six to nine months to gain approval, describing this environment as unfriendly when it comes to helping ferry companies boost their non-fare revenue.
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