HONG KONG — In a meeting filled with discussions on public transportation sustainability, several lawmakers expressed their backing on Thursday for a proposed increase in tram fares, as Hong Kong Tramways highlighted its need for the adjustment to maintain operations.
The company is seeking to raise fares by 30 cents to HK$3.30 for passengers over the age of 12, by 10 cents to HK$1.60 for children aged 3 to 11, and by 20 cents to HK$1.50 for senior citizens. This move comes in the wake of ongoing challenges that have prevented passenger numbers from rebounding to pre-COVID levels, attributed to significant shifts in population dynamics and economic activities on Hong Kong Island.
Managing Director Paul Tirvaudey addressed lawmakers during a transport panel meeting, emphasizing the dual nature of the company’s situation. “Hong Kong Tramways is at the same time very resilient, as it has been profitable in 120 years of existence,” he stated. However, he cautioned that the company remains “fragile,” facing critical risks that could jeopardize its long-term viability if not addressed effectively.
Tirvaudey outlined the company’s objective: “Our ambition at the moment is to keep consolidating Hong Kong Tramways in the long term, for it to contribute even more to the attractiveness of Hong Kong and to the quality of life of its residents.”
Among the lawmakers, Legislator Gary Zhang voiced his support for the fare increase and inquired about the potential for “smart driving” technologies to enhance operational efficiency. In response, Tirvaudey noted that the company has been exploring advancements such as installing additional cameras on trams for better investigations and training purposes.
However, he cautioned about the challenges of implementing advanced technologies across the entire fleet of 165 trams. “The difficulty would be to extend, to generalize these kinds of technologies,” he explained, acknowledging the high costs relative to their potential benefits. “The return on investment has not been proven at the moment, but this is something that we closely monitor.”
As the city grapples with the post-pandemic landscape, the proposed fare increases signify a vital step for Hong Kong Tramways, aiming to ensure its sustainability and continued contribution to the city’s public transportation framework.
