MTR Corp. has proposed to increase Airport Express fares for the first time since operations commenced in 1998, in order to accommodate rising operating costs and inflation. If passed, the new prices could take place by June at the earliest.
The proposed fare hikes range from 8.3 percent to 20 percent, with an average increase of 10.3 percent (complete fare breakdown below). Under the proposal, one-way trips from Hong Kong Station to the AsiaWorld-Expo would cost HKD110 — in comparison to the current fare of HKD100 — for adult ticket holders, while round-trip tickets would go up by HKD30, from HKD180 to HKD210.
As per a 2007 agreement, MTR Corp. must conduct passenger surveys and consult LegCo’s transport panel and the government’s Transport Advisory Committee before rolling out fare changes to the Airport Express. According to a survey conducted in February, 63 percent of passengers said a 10 percent increase would be “acceptable”.
Since it was opened in 1998, the Airport Express has not increased in price (although a 10 percent “introductory discount” was in place until June 2001).
“During the period between 2001 and 2016, inflation in Hong Kong was 33 per cent … The operating cost has increased significantly. A fare revision is therefore necessary to bring in sustainable revenue to cater for the escalating cost, in order to maintain quality service,” said a spokesperson for MTR Corp.
Proposed price breakdown:
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