The Transport Department has rejected a request to cut down the frequency of ferry services between Ma Wan and Central.

The department informed the Park Island Owners' Committee of its decision in a meeting with the committee and the Park Island Transport Company this evening.

The company applied to reduce the ferry frequency during off-peak hours, and suggested a fare increase and service adjustment of the residents' service.

The department said it has decided to reject the request after considering the patronage and passenger demand of the ferry route during the off-peak hours, the possible impact on passengers and the justifications for the application.

Residents' needs will be its prime concern in processing any application for service adjustment, the department added.

It said under the licence conditions of the ferry route, the company is required to operate the service in accordance with the Schedule of Service, adding any adjustments are subject to the department’s approval.

On the residents' service, the operator has to obtain prior support from the owners’ committee if it intends to make any service or fare adjustment.

The department urged the company to pragmatically communicate with the owners’ committee to review its service frequency and fare.