TAC Reviews Hong Kong Tramways Fare Increase Amid Competition and Rising Costs

TAC discusses application for tram fare increase and briefed on work and progress of MTRCL in building rail tech ecosystem

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (March 12) discussed the fare increase application from Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT) and received a briefing from MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on its work and progress in building a rail tech ecosystem.

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The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members noted that HKT is facing fierce competition from other public transport modes and its patronage has not yet recovered to the pre-pandemic level, while the non-farebox revenue could be quite volatile. At the same time, the operating costs of HKT have been rising and continuous capital expenditure is required to implement improvement projects.

"In deliberating on the fare increase application, members have considered and balanced all relevant factors, including HKT's latest operation situation and financial forecast, improvement projects being implemented and public acceptability. Members also appreciate the Government's continuous effort in exploring other alternatives with HKT to ensure its financial sustainability."

"Similar to other fare increase applications, the TAC will submit its advice to the Government on the fare increase application from HKT for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council," Professor Cheung added.

In addition, members were briefed on the work and progress of MTRCL in building a rail tech ecosystem.MTRCL conducted a strategic review in 2020 and decided to introduce more innovative technologies in the corporation's businesses under the broad direction of "Transforming the Future" to enhance its operations and asset management. Through collaboration with the Government, research institutions, tertiary institutions, etc, MTRCL develops various innovative solutions to facilitate the development and application of such technologies in railway operations and constructions, thereby providing a better travel experience to passengers.

Professor Cheung said, "Members support MTRCL's development and utilisation of innovative technologies. It not only enhances MTR services and passenger experience but also contributes to the smart city development in Hong Kong. Members also expressed appreciation to MTRCL for its active collaboration with various stakeholders and its effort in nurturing talent in the innovation and technology (I&T) field, which inject new impetus into the I&T ecosystem."

Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 to be held this weekend

The "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026, organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will be held at the Cyberport Arcade between 11am and 6pm this weekend (January 17 and 18). Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join the event with their dogs.

The Adoption Carnival aims to encourage members of the public who intend to keep pets, to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals, as well as promote responsible pet ownership. The co-organisers of the Carnival include Cheung Chau Animal Care, HK Saving Cat and Dog Association, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, Paws United Charity, Society for Abandoned Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Members of the public can interact with dogs that are up for adoption at the Adoption Carnival. Dog keepers can apply for or renew licenses on site. The Carnival also features veterinary consultation services, a dog playground, a virtual reality gaming experience, game booths, an interactive educational exhibition, pet-themed handicraft workshops, as well as sharing sessions by representatives of animal welfare organisations (AWOs) and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to take part with their dogs. However, dogs entering the venue should be licensed (except for those to be licensed on-site), vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. All dogs should also be kept under proper control.

The AFCD has been committed to encouraging members of the public who wish to keep pets to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals through the AFCD's partnering AWOs. Upon receiving animals, the AFCD will transfer animals assessed by veterinarians as being in good health and suitable for adoption to partnering AWOs for adoption by members of the public. The AFCD provides free desexing operations for cats, dogs and rabbits adopted through partnering AWOs.

For details of the event, please visit the thematic website of the "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 (www.petswithlove.com.hk).

Source: AI-found images