Ferry passenger opinion surveys on the way

The Transport Department (TD) is going to conduct surveys to obtain a better understanding of the views of outlying island ferry passengers on the ferry services.

From now till about March, a consultant commissioned by TD will visit households on outlying islands to ascertain their satisfaction level on the existing ferry services and their views on the areas where ferry services need to be improved.

The surveys will commence in Peng Chau shortly, and then in Lantau Island, Cheung Chau and Lamma Island. A total of 1,400 households selected through random sampling will be interviewed.

As outlying islands are also popular places for recreation, surveys will also be conducted to obtain views of recreational users during weekends and public holidays on the performance of ferry services. About 1,500 holiday makers will be interviewed on board vessels to see whether they are satisfied with the existing level of services provided by the outlying island ferry routes.

The outlying island ferry services for Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau are among the eight licensed ferry routes now operated by the Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Co. Ltd. which will be taken over by New World First Ferry on 15 January 2000.

There will not be any changes to the operation and fare levels of these routes in the initial period of changeover to avoid confusion. A spokesman of TD said: "Findings of the ferry passenger opinion surveys will provide the new ferry operator with information on areas where further improvements would be needed and whether passengers would be prepared to pay higher fares for better services."

New World First Ferry would take into account the survey results in developing their future plans for the outlying island ferry services. Before any changes to the ferry services are implemented, the Islands District Council and the user groups would be consulted. They would also be advised of the fare implications of the improvement proposals.

Tuesday, January 11, 2000