Policy Address

Ferry Services for Outlying Islands

157. The Government will continue to provide Special Helping Measures (SHM) for the six major outlying island ferry routes. Separately, we will, in the first half of 2019, examine in the midterm review of the next three-year licence period (2017-20) whether the SHM are the most desirable long-term operation model to maintain the financial viability of ferry services. The review will cover, inter alia, extension of licence duration and a study of the pros and cons of possible options such as letting the Government own the ferry fleet and outsource its operation. The objective is to ensure enhanced service quality, financial viability and reasonable fare level of ferry services.

Improving Ancillary Facilities for Public Transport

158. The Government will improve a number of remote public piers to facilitate public access to outing destinations and natural heritage. The first phase will cover about 10 public piers in the New Territories and the Islands District.

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