The Government today (February 23) launched a two-month public consultation on the arrangement of the new franchise for the "Star" Ferry Company, Limited (Star Ferry).

     "The current franchise of the Star Ferry routes, Central-Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui, will expire on March 31, 2018. Star Ferry has submitted an application to the Government for extension of its franchise. Star Ferry has all along been providing a proper and efficient ferry service. The Government plans to engage Star Ferry for discussion on the arrangements for the new franchise of the two franchised ferry routes that it operates. The Government would strive for the most favourable franchise terms for the public as far as possible in a pragmatic manner," a Government spokesperson said.

     Under the Ferry Services Ordinance (FSO) (Cap. 104), the Chief Executive in Council may, at the request of the grantee, extend the franchise for a period or periods not exceeding 15 years, if it is satisfied that the grantee is capable of maintaining a proper and efficient ferry service and it is in the public interest to continue the franchised service. The FSO also states that a grantee shall at all times during the franchise period maintain to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport a proper and efficient ferry service.

     From today until April 22 (Saturday), members of the public may submit their views on matters to be covered under the new franchise of Star Ferry's ferry service in writing by post (addressed to the Management and Paratransit Branch of the Transport Department, Room 4036, 40/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong), by fax (2824 2176) or by email (starferry-franchise@td.gov.hk). The consultation document is now available on the websites of the Transport and Housing Bureau (www.thb.gov.hk) and the Transport Department (www.td.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, February 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:56

NNNN