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| Tram patronage has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, says its operator |
Starting on May 12, tram passengers will have to pay up to 30 cents more per ride, after the government approved a proposal to increase fares by 6 to 15 percent.
Passengers aged 12 or
above will pay $3.30 for a tram ride, up 30 cents from the current $3.
Child fares will increase
from $1.50 to $1.60, while seniors aged 65 and above will pay 20 cents more,
from the current $1.30 to $1.50.
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However, the $260
monthly ticket will remain unchanged, in a bid to lessen the impact on
passengers.
The government said it
looked at various factors before deciding on the increase, such as the service
quality and quantity, Hong Kong Tramway’s planned improvements, changes in
operating costs and revenue, and public acceptability.
According to HKT, tram
patronage has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, while its non-fare box
income, which accounts for about 50% of its total revenue, is “rather limited.”
At the same time,
operating costs and staff salaries have been rising continuously. The tram
company also plans to continue investing on improving services, such as the
renewal of tram tracks and the upgrading of tram cars.
Even with the fare
increase, the tram remains the most economical means of going around Hong Kong
island.
