Two ferry operators running services between Hong Kong and Macao have announced fare increases of approximately 10 percent, effective this Saturday, 25 April.
TurboJet said the adjustment follows a sharp surge in fuel prices and ever-rising operating costs, and has been approved by the Macao government.
For economy class on the Hong Kong-Macao route, serving both the Outer Harbour and Taipa Ferry Terminal, weekday daytime fares will increase from 175 patacas to 194, while weekend and public holiday daytime fares go from 190 to 212 patacas. Night sailing fares will rise from 220 to 242 patacas. Super class weekday daytime fares will be set at 406 patacas, and premier grand class at 545 patacas.
[See more: TurboJet announces revised Hong Kong-Macao ferry schedule as bridge traffic surges]
The fare hike comes as TurboJet is also grappling with mounting competition from bus services across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which offer travellers a cheaper and faster alternative. Bridge traffic hit a record high over the Easter holiday.
Earlier this month, the operator trimmed its sailing schedule, cutting daytime Taipa departures and bringing forward the last Outer Harbour sailing from Hong Kong by 30 minutes.
On the Macao-Shenzhen Airport route, adult economy fares will be 259 patacas, and Macau Cruise tickets will be priced at 88 patacas per trip. The existing 18-pataca discount for Macao residents and children aged 1 to 11 – applicable to economy and super class – remains unchanged.
[See more: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge sees record traffic during Easter]
Cotai Water Jet is also raising fares from 25 April. Cotai class weekday daytime fares will rise to HK$192, weekend and public holiday daytime fares to HK$209, and night sailings to HK$242. Cotai first cabin prices will remain unchanged.
As a promotion, Cotai Water Jet is offering Cotai class tickets from as low as HK$150 – for both day and night sailings – when booked through its website or mobile app, valid until 31 May.
