The Transport Department (TD) announced today (March 23) that, after conducting an open tender invitation, Fortune Ferry Company Limited has been selected to operate the "Central - Hung Hom" and "water taxi" ferry services.
      
     In response to the public views on providing more in-harbour ferry services and the suggestion of "water taxi" in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry and incorporating commercial elements at the Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier with a view to improving the vibrancy of the harbourfront and public enjoyment, the TD invited tenders for operation of the "Central - Hung Hom" and "water taxi" ferry routes on December 13 last year. By the close of the tender invitation on January 24 this year, two companies had submitted tenders. After thorough assessment, Fortune Ferry Company Limited was selected to operate the ferry services.
      
     The newly granted licences for the "Central - Hung Hom" and "water taxi" ferry routes, which will commence operation in the second and fourth quarters of this year respectively, will last for a period of five years. The TD will announce the operation commencement dates and service details of the above ferry routes in due course. To ensure smooth introduction of the new ferry routes, the TD will closely monitor the gearing-up activities carried out by the above-mentioned company.
      
     The "Central - Hung Hom" in-harbour ferry route will ply between the Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier and Central Pier No. 8 (Western Berth). The Hung Hom (Hung Luen Road) Public Transport Interchange and the Whampoa MTR Station are situated in the vicinity of the Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier. The ferry service will provide passengers with an alternative option, whereby they may interchange with various routes of franchised bus, green minibus or MTR services to go to different districts in Kowloon and the New Territories.
      
     For the "water taxi" ferry route, there will be five calling points along its main route, namely Kai Tak Runway Park Pier Landing No. 1 or No. 2; Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier; Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No. 2 or No. 5; Central Pier No. 8 (Western Berth), No. 9 or No. 10; and marine landing facilities at the southern waterfront of the West Kowloon Cultural District. Passengers will be able to freely hop on and hop off at any calling point. The operator will also provide short-working ferry services between individual points, the details of which will be announced when services are geared up.

Ends/Monday, March 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:25

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