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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (February 24) the application from The "Star" Ferry Company, Limited (Star Ferry) for fare increases on its two franchised ferry routes, Central-Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui.
The TAC Chairman, Mr Rimsky Yuen, said that the TAC, in deliberating the Star Ferry's fare increase application, had considered all relevant factors, including the financial position of the ferry operator, forecasts of changes in operating costs, Star Ferry's revenues and returns, past performance of the operator in the provision of relevant ferry services, public acceptability of the proposed fares and measures implemented by Star Ferry to save costs and generate additional revenue.
"Taking into account all relevant factors, we will make our recommendations to ensure that the provision of quality franchised ferry services could be sustained for the benefit of the community," said Mr Yuen.
"Similar to other fare increase applications from public transport operators, the TAC will submit its recommendations to the Government for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council," said Mr Yuen.
TAC Members were also briefed on the arrangements for the first phase of the Ad Hoc Quota Trial Scheme for Cross-boundary Private Cars (the Scheme) and the Government's current conception for the second phase of the Scheme.
"Members noted that the first phase of the Scheme would be applicable to qualified owners of non-commercial Hong Kong private cars with five seats or less, allowing them to drive their own cars to enter Guangdong and stay for not more than seven days.
"Members supported the launch of the first phase of the Scheme at the end of March 2012 as a trial, which can provide useful experience and reference to the Government in formulating the implementation arrangements for the second phase," said Mr Yuen.
"Members took note of the public reaction to the second phase of the Scheme and also exchanged preliminary views on issues that the Government should take into consideration before taking forward the second phase of the Scheme. Members were of the view that the Government should be extremely cautious in assessing the outcome of the first phase of the Scheme and should address the public's concern before implementing the second phase," he said.
Ends/Friday, February 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:59
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