Tram Fares Going Up For First Time In Seven Years

Fares for journeys on the city's iconic and relatively cheap tramways system will rise from July, after permission for the first increase in seven years was granted by the Executive Council.

Adult fares – for passengers aged 12 and over – will go up by 30 cents to HK$2.60. The fare for children will rise 10 cents to HK$1.30, while it will cost those aged 65 and above HK$1.20, also a rise of 10 cents. Monthly passes will go up HK$20 to HK$220.

The government said the operator, Hong Kong Tramways (HKT), has been providing satisfactory services for many years and it has worked to enhance passenger comfort, safety and operational efficiency.

But it noted that due to competition, passenger numbers have been decreasing and fare revenue has dropped.

HKT's net profits have been falling since 2014 and came in at around HK$22.9 million last year, down from HK$37.6 million in 2016.

A government statement said Legco's Panel on Transport and the Transport Advisory Committee had both been consulted about the fare rises.

Next month, fares on the MTR are also going up, by 3.14 percent, although concessions are planned for passengers.