Ferry firm threatens to reduce services

Pansy Ho Chiu-king, managing director of Shun Tak Holdings, yesterday warned that the company will reduce the service of its subsidiaryTurboJET if the Hong Kong government all
重播廣告

ows The Venetian's Cotai Jet ferries to use the ferry terminal at Sheung Wan.

The Venetian has teamed up with Chu Kong Passenger Transport to provide services between Hong Kong and Macau, and has requested to use the Hong Kong-Macau ferry pier.

Ho warned that if more operators use the pier TurboJET would have to reduce services to maintain safety and quality.

TurboJET carried over 10 million passengers last year on all routes and is the sole operator using the pier at the Shun Tak Centre.

Although the company does not have a monopoly over the pier, it helped design it, Ho said.

"We know its capacity. We are using it very efficiently right now. If more operators come along it might go over the optimal capacity," she said.

The government, she said, is free to decide which operator can use the pier. "We are not trying to keep Sheung Wan pier all to ourselves," Ho said.

TurboJET's competitor First Ferry operates at the Tsim Sha Tsui-Hong Kong-China ferry terminal.

Ho said that arrangement was decided after in-depth studies and discussions. "It is the best way for both companies to operate efficiently," she said.

Ho said she welcomed competition, but urged the government to give current operators more time to prepare for changes.

TurboJET is also awaiting Macau government approval for it to use the new Taipa Pier in Macau.