Exco endorses Star Ferry fare increase

The Executive Council has approved a fare increase for Star Ferry. From January 25 next year, fares will go up by HK$0.6 to HK$1.0 per trip on weekdays and HK$1.0 to HK$1.8 on weekends. For example, the upper-deck adult fare between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui and the adult fare between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui on weekdays will rise from HK$5 to HK$6. The monthly ticket price will remain unchanged at HK$190. Star Ferry had applied for increases of HK$0.8 to HK$2.0 per trip, for an average fare hike of 30 percent. A government spokesman said the company had accumulated losses of over HK$100 million between 2018 and 2023 due to Covid-19 and had to rely on debt financing to sustain services. While marginal profits were recorded in 2024 and 2025, it's expected to return to the red from this year due to slow patronage growth, rising operating costs and debt-related interest expenses. The spokesman said Star Ferry's service performance has been generally satisfactory and that it has actively improved the passenger experience, including through the introduction of electronic payment options. "The government will continue to encourage Star Ferry to improve its long-term financial viability through a multipronged approach covering fare levels, non-farebox...