Hong Kong Tramways Fare Increase Approved, New Rates Effective May 12, 2025

Executive Council gives consent to increase tramway fares

The Chief Executive in Council today (April 8) gave consent to Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT) to alter its fares, in accordance with section 51 of the Tramway Ordinance (Cap. 107). The revised rates of fares (see table below) will come into force one month after publication in the Gazette (i.e. May 12, 2025).

Existing fares Revised fares

(Change)

Persons aged 12 or above $3.0 $3.3

(+$0.3)

Children (aged 3 to 11) $1.5 $1.6

(+$0.1)

In addition, the fare for the elderly (aged 65 or above) will increase from $1.3 to $1.5. The monthly ticket fare, currently at $260, will remain unchanged.

A Government spokesman said that the Government should ensure that HKT will have sound financial capability in providing economical, efficient and quality tram services at reasonable fares. In this connection, when assessing HKT's fare increase application, the Government has duly exercised its gatekeeping role to carefully and stringently scrutinise the application in accordance with the established policy and mechanism, taking into account various factors, including the quality and quantity of service provided and the planned improvement projects of HKT; the changes in operating costs and revenue since HKT's last fare adjustment; HKT's forecast of future costs, revenue, profit and return; and the likely public acceptability. Under the current fare adjustment, the fare of the monthly ticket will remain unchanged, alleviating the impact on passengers who travel by tram for daily commuting.

​

Since its last fare adjustment in July 2022, HKT has been facing competition from other modes of public transport. Patronage has not recovered to the pre-pandemic level, while the potential to further increase non-fare box revenue, currently accounting for about 50 per cent of HKT's total revenue, is rather limited. At the same time, the operating costs and staff costs of HKT have been rising continuously. HKT will also continue to invest in improvement projects, including the renewal of tram track and upgrading tram cars in the fleet to provide passengers with more stable rides, safer and more comfortable journeys. In addition, HKT is expected to launch a new mobile application in the second quarter of this year to provide service information, such as real-time estimated times of arrival for passengers, thus improving their ride experience.

"HKT has been providing emission-free and affordable services over the years, which are well-received by the local community and tourists. The Government will continue to encourage and assist HKT to explore different revenue sources, especially to tie in with the concept of 'tourism is everywhere' to capitalise on new opportunities arising from the latest developments in the tourism landscape, while preserving its historical value. Having considered all relevant factors, including HKT's latest financial situation and forecast, the Government considered the fare increase necessary for maintaining HKT's stable operation, and that the proposed increase level by HKT is acceptable. After the fare increase, the tramway remains the most economical means of transportation serving the northern shore of Hong Kong Island," the Government spokesman said.

HKSAR Government welcomes court's decision to dismiss Chow Hang Tung's application for judicial review on clothing policy for persons in custody

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomes the judgment handed down by the Court of First Instance of the High Court today (January 13) to dismiss Chow Hang Tung's application for judicial review on the clothing policy for persons in custody (PICs).

The court judgment pointed out that the current clothing policy for PICs, including the requirement for female PICs to wear trousers in summer daytime, was formulated by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) as authorised by the Prison Rules. The Court was satisfied that the CSD had the expertise and experience in the relevant context, and that it had carefully considered various factors, taken into account of professional opinion when making the decision, as well as reviewed the policy continuously. The Court ruled that Chow Hang Tung had failed to demonstrate that the current policy constituted less favourable treatment of a particular gender. The Court pointed out that there was currently no factual evidence to support any assertion that there was widespread concern about the health effects of wearing trousers in summer. In addition, the rule was not absolute, but instead allowed individual PICs to apply for exceptional arrangements in special circumstances. At the same time, the Court also rejected Chow Hang Tung's assertion that she had requested to the CSD in July and August 2024 to wear shorts and had been refused.

A spokesman for the Security Bureau said, "The ruling of the Court of First Instance confirmed that the CSD's approach is reasonable, justified and lawful. According to Rule 26 of the Prison Rules, the CSD must provide every PIC with a uniform that meets a scale imposed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services. Over the years, the CSD had appointed task groups from time to time to review the clothing arrangements of PICs. These reviews gave ample consideration to numerous factors, including the type of correctional institutions, PICs' varying daily routines and activities involved, the need for thermal, physical and psychological comfort for PICs of different genders, privacy and decency of PICs and the security, good order and discipline of the prison, so as to continuously refine clothing arrangements according to the prevailing circumstances."

The spokesman stated, "Chow Hang Tung's assertion that she requested to wear shorts in summer and was rejected by the CSD is entirely inconsistent with the facts and was rejected by the Court. Besides, the current clothing policy for PICs already provides a degree of flexibility. For example, a PIC may make an application to wear other clothing on medical or non-medical grounds to the CSD, and the CSD would make appropriate arrangements having considered the actual circumstances and relevant factors."

The CSD will continue to impartially implement the relevant rules of the Prison Rules in accordance with the law and commit to providing a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment.

Source: AI-found images