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 routes providing access to Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Mui Wo and Peng Chau, among others.
Many district councillors emphasised the proposed increases could place a greater financial burden on elderly residents at a time when the city would overhaul its public transport subsidy scheme. Both are expected to take effect on April 1.
The revamped subsidy scheme will no longer provide a flat fare of HK$2 for those aged 60 or above, and instead will offer concessions for trips priced up to HK$10 and an 80 per cent discount for rides costing more than HK$10.
For example, an elderly person in Cheung Chau will have to pay HK$6.58 for a one-way high-speed ferry ride to Central between Mondays and Saturdays, and HK$9.52 on Sundays, once the policies take effect.
