Ferries

Ferries are essential for travelling to Hong Kong's outlying islands and
provide an important link to the new towns in the north-western New
Territories. In the inner harbour, they are a supplementary mode of
transport to cross harbour buses and the Mass Transit Railway. Existing
services are provided largely by two franchised operators - the Star Ferry
Company Limited and the Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Company Limited
(HYF).

The Star Ferry operated 12 vessels across the harbour and carried 89 000
passengers on its three routes daily during the year. Fares ranged from
$1.70 to $2.70. Passengers aged 65 and above can enjoy free travel on all
Star Ferry services.

HYF owned 77 vessels and operated 24 ferry routes, including passenger
and vehicular services and licensed services. In 1997, the company
carried 84 000 passengers and 1 300 vehicles daily. Fares ranged from
$4.80 to $32. Elderly passengers aged 65 and above can enjoy
concessionary fares, set at the same level as children's fares, on all ferry
services except the deluxe class.

A further 13 ferry services were operated by eight licensed operators,
including the service to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island. These were
supplemented by kaitos, local village ferry services, licensed to serve
remote coastal settlements. At the end of the year, 87 kaitos were in
operation.

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