G.S. 84
RESTRICTED
XCR(79)53
4
2
Users of these services have no reasonable alternative means of transport. Since the population in the areas served is unlikely to increase in the immediate future and since development is not expected to take place before 1982-83, passenger volumes up to 1981 are predicted to continue at approximately the present levels.
5
During the period of the present licence, the Hop Shing Kung Company has provided a reliable service. When the services were put out to tender in 1975, the Company submitted the only satisfactory application. Under various arrangements, the Company has been operating ferry services for a total of almost seven years in this area and it is most unlikely that a suitable alternative operator could be found. According to Clause 22 of the existing licence, the Governor in Council has discretion at any time during the subsistence of the licence, on the request of the licensee to extend such licence for a period not exceeding three years.
Fare Revision
6
The Company has also applied for a fare revision, which it claims, is justified because of its generally poor financial position. The Company's existing and proposed single fares are shown below :
Existing
Proposed
Shau Kei Wan/Rennie's Mill
50d
804
Rennie's Mill/Hang Hau
30¢
50¢
Shau Kei Wan/Hang Hau
806
$1.00
7
In support of its application the Company has submitted audited accounts for the years 1975-1978. These cover the services discussed in this paper and also the Company's other services between Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau. The accounts, for the financial year ended 31st December, are summarised below:
RESTRICTED
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