The Transport Department (TD) tonight (July 20) met the Park Island Owners' Committee (PIOC) and the Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL) to discuss the PITCL's application for frequency reduction of the Ma Wan – Central ferry service during off-peak hours, as well as suggestions of fare increase, service adjustment of the residents' service (RS) and more.
The TD at the meeting informed the PIOC that after thoroughly considering a number of factors including the patronage and passenger demand of the ferry route concerned during the off-peak hours, the possible impact on passengers to be brought about by the adjustment and the justifications for the application, the TD has rejected the PITCL's application for frequency reduction of the Central – Ma Wan ferry service.
The TD reiterated that in accordance with the Heads of Agreement signed between the Government and the developer of the Ma Wan northeastern comprehensive development area, the developer has an obligation to provide proper ferry and bus services to and from Ma Wan. Ferry services in Ma Wan are regulated under the Ferry Services Ordinance (Cap. 104). Under the conditions of the licence of the Central – Ma Wan route, the PITCL is required to operate the ferry service in accordance with the Schedule of Service. The PITCL has to seek approval from the TD before making any adjustment to the ferry service. Furthermore, the RS serving Ma Wan is a kind of non-franchised bus service regulated by the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and its subsidiary legislation. RS is generally arranged jointly by resident representatives and operators on their own. If the PITCL intends to make any service or fare adjustment, it has to obtain prior support from the PIOC. The TD urged the PITCL to continue to communicate with the PIOC to review the frequency and fare of the RS in a pragmatic approach.
The TD will continue to closely monitor the situation and maintain liaison with the local community. In processing any application for adjustment of service, residents' needs will be the TD's prime concern.
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