Hong Kong tram operator needs stronger ties with tourism sector: lawmakers

Hong Kong’s tram operator should collaborate more with the tourism sector to ensure its long-term financial sustainability, lawmakers have said, despite many of them expressing their support for a proposed fare increase.

Speaking with the Legislative Council’s transport panel on Friday, Hong Kong Tramways managing director Paul Tirvaudey shut down a suggestion from lawmakers to open a tram museum. He also highlighted recent efforts to upgrade the company’s tourist offerings, such as plans to provide audio guides in Arabic.

The company earlier this month submitted a proposal to authorities that sought a 10 per cent increase in adult tram fares from HK$3 (38 US cents) to HK$3.30.

They also sought to increase concessionary fares for children aged three to 11 from HK$1.50 to HK$1.60, a rise of 6.7 per cent, in addition to raising the cost for residents above 65 by 15.4 per cent, going from HK$1.30 to HK$1.50.

The French-owned company said the proposed increases were to ensure the long-term operation and development of the city’s famed trams, which run between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island, including a branching route to Happy Valley.

Gary Zhang Xinyu, who represents New Territories North, was among lawmakers who supported the proposed increase, describing it as “mild” and “justified”.