Discovery Bay Transportation Services has once again sparked controversy by requesting a substantial 60 per cent increase in ferry fares, setting off alarm bells among commuters. The proposed hike, if approved by the government’s Transport Department, would see a significant jump in fares for both non-resident Octopus card users and registered residents.
The current single adult journey fare from Central to the Lantau residential area stands at HK$46. If the proposal goes through, non-resident Octopus card users could be shelling out HK$73.6 per trip. Similarly, registered residents using Octopus cards may face a steep increase from HK$33.5 to HK$53.6.
Despite receiving substantial taxpayer bailouts and subsidies over the years, Discovery Bay Transportation Services claims to be in a dire financial position, citing “rising operating costs and declining patronage.” This move has raised questions about the company’s financial management and accountability.
In response to the fare hike proposal, the Transport Department has stated that it will consider various factors, including the financial position of the operators, operating costs, revenue forecast, past performance, and public acceptance of the fare adjustments. This decision comes just three months after Discovery Bay’s attempt to rebrand itself with a city-wide “Live to Discover” campaign.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services received over HK$8 million in taxpayer money as a Covid-19 bailout in 2020, according to Webb-site. Moreover, since 2011, the government has been providing Special Helping Measures subsidies for outlying ferry firms operating key routes, including the Vessel Subsidy Scheme launched in 2019. These measures allow ferry companies to reclaim various operating expenses and purchase new ferries, among other benefits.
Despite the government’s support, ferry firms continue to increase fares, with the Hong Kong Kowloon Ferry company raising fares for journeys between Central and Lamma Island by 22 per cent last September. This latest move by Discovery Bay has once again raised concerns about the sustainability and affordability of ferry services in Hong Kong.
As commuters brace themselves for a potential fare hike, many are calling for greater transparency and accountability from ferry operators, as well as a reassessment of the government’s subsidy policies to ensure that taxpayer money is being used effectively and fairly.
(Source: HKFP | SCMP)
