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The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (April 26) on the outcome of the mid-term review on the provision of special helping measures (SHM) to the ferry routes for the current licence period since 2014 (Mid-term Review) and the barrier-free facilities of public transport services. These subjects are two of the Topical Studies under the Public Transport Strategy Study.
Members took note of the outcome of the Mid-term Review, which shows that the SHM have achieved the intended purpose of ensuring the financial viability of the six major outlying island ferry routes (note 1) while lowering the fare increase rates. Passengers are generally satisfied with the services provided by the ferry operators. Members welcomed the two ferry operators' agreement to share the windfall profit with passengers, which is largely attributable to the fall in oil prices, through a one-off and time-limited fare concession on a 50:50 basis.
"In light of the review outcome, members welcome the Government's proposal to commence negotiations with the incumbent operators of the six major outlying island ferry routes on the extension of the next three-year licence period, with a view to maintaining the operation of the six ferry routes," the TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said.
In addition, members also noted the Government's preparatory efforts in maintaining ferry services and achieving fare stability in the long term. These include: the Government will decide in the context of the next mid-term review in 2019 whether SHM should become a permanent subsidy, instead of the original idea of using rental income to be generated by Central Pier Nos. 4-6 as subsidy. The Government will examine any necessary complementary policies, among which a critical issue is whether the current duration of each licence period of only three years is too short; the Government will also look into whether SHM should be expanded to the eight outlying island ferry routes (note 2) other than the six major outlying island ferry routes.
In respect of barrier-free facilities of public transport services, Mr Kwok said, "The Committee notes that the Government, in collaboration with public transport operators, has since 2002 been improving public transport services and facilities under the concept of 'Transport for All'. For instance, all MTR stations have installed at least one barrier-free facility, over 90 per cent of buses in Hong Kong are wheelchair-accessible low-floor buses and wheelchair-accessible taxis have been introduced.
"Members welcome the Government's plan to introduce new measures covering railway, franchised bus, public light bus and taxi services together with public transport operators to further facilitate the use of public transport services by people with disabilities (PwDs). In doing so, information technology will be used as far as practicable."
When examining and implementing new measures, the Government will continue to maintain communication with PwD groups and public transport operators, as well as enhance public understanding of the transport needs of PwDs through publicity and education. Through these, public transport services, together with Rehabus and Accessible Hire Car services, can facilitate integration of the able-bodied and PwDs in the transport network.
Note 1:
Routes operated by the New World First Ferry Services Limited:
(1) "Central - Cheung Chau";
(2) "Inter-islands" between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau; and
(3) "Central - Mui Wo".
Routes operated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings Limited's three subsidiaries:
(1) "Central - Peng Chau";
(2) "Central - Yung Shue Wan"; and
(3) "Central - Sok Kwu Wan".
Note 2:
The eight other outlying island ferry routes include:
(1) "Aberdeen - Cheung Chau";
(2) "Aberdeen - Yung Shue Wan via Pak Kok Tsuen";
(3) "Aberdeen - Sok Kwu Wan via Mo Tat";
(4) "Tuen Mun - Tung Chung - Sha Lo Wan - Tai O";
(5) "Discovery Bay - Mui Wo";
(6) "Discovery Bay - Central";
(7) "Ma Wan - Central"; and
(8) "Ma Wan - Tsuen Wan".
Ends/Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:10
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