Star Ferry At Peril

[38 Geary]

[38 Geary]

[hkskyline]

Star Ferry seeks 30pc fare rise, plans pet-friendly service
The Standard Excerpt
July 13, 2026

The Star Ferry has applied to the government for a fare increase of up to about 30 percent on its two franchised routes, while also proposing a new pet-friendly service on its Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui route.

According to documents submitted by the Transport and Logistics Bureau to the Legislative Council, the ferry operator is seeking to raise fares on the Tsim Sha Tsui-Central and Tsim Sha Tsui-Wan Chai routes by HK$0.80 to HK$2 per trip.

For the Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui route, the adult weekday fare would rise from HK$5 to HK$6.50, while the weekend and public holiday fare would increase from HK$6.50 to HK$8.50, representing an increase of about 30 percent.

More : Star Ferry seeks 30pc fare rise, plans pet-friendly service

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Hong Kong’s Star Ferry must embrace a sustainable business model
South China Morning Post Excerpt
July 27, 2026

Hong Kong’s Star Ferry has navigated 128 years of change since it started. Recent economic woes have been among the toughest challenges faced by the iconic transport link that serves commuters, tourists and the city’s global brand. Its fare hike and pet-friendly service proposals should be seen as valid options to keep it afloat. The company applied in March to raise fares by about 30 per cent on its two routes, according to a government paper submitted ahead of a July 17 Legislative Council transport panel meeting.

Star Ferry said rising operating costs prompted its request to charge 80 HK cents to HK$2 (10-25 US cents) more per journey. While some might shrug off the steep hike for one of the city’s cheapest modes of transport, the percentage is no small matter for others.

For the company, a significant increase in 2023 was a lifeline helping it to return to a modest profit after a staggering HK$100 million loss between 2018 and 2023. Margins fell from 6.4 per cent to 3.7 per cent over the same period as it struggled with costs including staff salaries, fuel and engine replacements.

More : Editorial | Hong Kong’s Star Ferry must embrace a sustainable business model