NWFF fare to be adjusted from February 21

    The Transport Department announced today (February 16) that the fares of five outlying islands ferry services operated by New World First Ferry (NWFF) would be adjusted upward by an average of 6.5%.

     The weekday adult fare for the ordinary class ferry will be increased by $0.8, and that of the deluxe class and fast ferry by $1 and $1.2 respectively. On Sundays and public holidays, the adult fare for ordinary class, deluxe class and fast ferry will be increased by $1. The new fares will take effect from Tuesday (February 21).

     A Transport Department spokesman said that before approving the adjustment, the department had considered the NWFF's application by taking into account relevant factors and struck a balance between the poor financial circumstances of NWFF and public acceptability to the new fares.

     "The level of adjustment approved is significantly lower than that applied for by NWFF," the spokesman said.

     He added that NWFF had been operating at a loss and that there was an urgent need to adjust the fares of these outlying islands ferry services enabling it to maintain the present level of service.

     "It is expected that after the fare adjustment, NWFF will still operate at a loss. The department will continue to encourage NWFF to explore opportunities to generate more non-fare box revenue and implement more cost saving measures with a view to improving its financial position," the spokesman said.

     The five outlying island ferry services involved are Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo, Central - Peng Chau, Inter-islands service and Kowloon Point (Tsim Sha Tsui) - Mui Wo - Cheung Chau - Kowloon Point.

Ends/Thursday, February 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:30