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| Airport Express train (Cathay Pacific photo) |
The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) is expected to increase fares on the Airport Express (direct train service to the Hong Kong International Airport) within this year.
From the current $110 for a single journey from Central to HK airport, the fare will rise to no more than $120 under the proposed increase, the first in eight years.
This emerged after members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) shared favorable views on the fare adjustment during a briefing conducted by representatives of the MTR Corporation Ltd. (MTRCL).
According to the Operating Agreement between the Government
and the MTRCL, the company’s Board of Directors will set the new fares after
consulting the TAC and the the Legislative Council (Transport Panel).
The fare increase will come at about the same time that the airport departure tax from Hong Kong will rise from the current $120 to $200 starting Oct. 1, 2025. The new rate will be added to all air tickets purchased on or after this date, and is expected to boost Hong Kong's revenue by $1.6 billion.
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It needs to announce the new fares no later than three weeks
prior to its implementation.
"(TAC) Members noted that it has been eight years since
the last fare adjustment of the Airport Express, and the fare adjustment rate
proposed by the MTRCL is lower than the cumulative inflation rate for the same
period,” TAC Chairman Professor Stephen Cheung said.
“Members noted that the proposed fare adjustment can
facilitate the Airport Express in facing the constantly rising operating costs
and the investment needs for railway asset renewal,” he added.
"Members also noted that after the new fares take
effect, the MTRCL will continue its investments in upgrading Airport Express
facilities and services, as well as the provision of multiple fare promotions,
to provide passengers with a comprehensive airport railway service," he
said.
