The Legislative Council's transport panel discussed Star Ferry's fare increase application on July 17, with the company proposing to raise adult weekday upper-deck fares on the Central–Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui routes from HK$5 to HK$6.5, and weekend and public holiday fares from HK$6.5 to HK$8.5—an increase of approximately 30%.
While many LegCo members expressed understanding of the need for a fare adjustment, they also considered the proposed hike to be on the high side. Some suggested introducing differentiated pricing for tourists to strike a better balance.
Legislative Council member Leung Chun expressed understanding and support for the application but emphasized that for long-term sustainability, the company must increase its non-fare revenue. He questioned whether the government could relax restrictions, such as allowing a higher proportion of retail space or opening up rooftop areas, to enable the operator to generate additional income.
Legislative Council member Vincent Cheng noted that the ferry operator's approach has been relatively conservative in the past, and suggested closer collaboration with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Development Bureau, and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, while also recommending that the Transport Department set certain performance indicators for the operator.
Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Kirk Yip said the Transport Department is actively coordinating the use of space for activities at the piers. The department recently worked with the Development Bureau to expand commercial event spaces at the piers, enabling the operator to host a variety of commercial activities. The operator has now engaged a professional agency to assist with advertising and commercial event planning, he added. He also noted that the Transport Department has set up a dedicated task force to coordinate across different government departments, so that when the ferry operator proposes non-fare revenue initiatives, the government can implement them through a one-stop approach.
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