Hong Kong’s Star Ferry has applied to raise fares by about 30 per cent across its two franchised routes, citing rising operating costs, while proposing a new pet-friendly service between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.

The operator applied in March to raise fares on its two franchised routes by between HK$0.80 and HK$2 (10 and 25 US cents) per journey, according to a government paper submitted ahead of a Legislative Council transport panel meeting scheduled for Friday.

Adult weekday fares for the upper deck of the Central-Tsim Sha Tsui route would rise from HK$5 to HK$6.50, while lower-deck tickets would increase from HK$4 to HK$5.20.

Adult fares on weekends and public holidays would increase from HK$6.50 to HK$8.50 for the upper deck and from HK$5.60 to HK$7.30 for the lower deck.

The same HK$6.50 weekday and HK$8.50 weekend fares would be applied to adults travelling on the Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui route, according to the paper.

Concessionary fares for children, elderly passengers and people with disabilities would also increase by about 29 to 31 per cent.