Tsui Wah Ferry Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun Route runs between Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier and Tap Mun Pier, passing through Sham Chung Pier and Lai Chi Chong Pier, operated by Tsui Wah Ferry Service. Except for the 12:25 departure from Ma Liu Shui on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, most sailings arriving at Tap Mun connect directly with the Tap Mun - Wong Shek Route, where passengers may purchase additional tickets to continue to Wong Shek Pier.
This route is numbered as TP3 on the list of Transport Department "Kaito" Ferry Services.[1] This route has served residents of Sai Kung North for many years. Before the 1980s, it was the only means of transportation connecting the area to the outside world, with Tai Po Kau as its terminus, thereby strengthening the ties between Sai Kung North and Tai Po District. During the 1980s, when the authorities were drawing up electoral districts for the District Council, Sai Kung North was officially incorporated into the administrative boundaries of Tai Po District.
History[]
Commencing background[]
In 1954, The Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry (HYF) proposed to launch a new route between Tai Po and Tap Mun, passing through Lai Chi Wo, Sam A Tsuen, So Lo Pun, and Yung Shue O Tsuen, to improve water transport for the aforementioned villages.[2] After receiving the request, the authorities dispatched vessels for on-site inspections and agreed the proposal on principle, planning to launch the route in the spring and make a final decision after a three-month trial period.[3] The final plan was finalised on 8 February 1955, including:[4]
- 2 sailings daily, departing at 06:30 from Tai Po Kau;
- The fare from Tai Po Kau to Sham Chung via Wu Kai Sha would be $0.6 with a full fare of $1.2;
- Stopping at rural villages including Shap Sze Heung, Lai Chi Chong, Chung Sam Kei, Tai Tan and Chek Keng and stopping by the shore to facilitate loading and unloading of goods and passengers before continuing on the journey;
- Each villages would have to prepare small boats to carry passengers as no pier facilities were built at these villages.[5]
Subsequently, HYF agreed to trial this route after the Lunar New Year, with a stopover to allow villagers to board and disembark.[6]
Route changes after commencement[]
- 20 March 1955: HYF Tai Po Kau - Tap Mun route entered service, stopping at Wu Kai Sha, Shap Sze Heung, Lai Chi Chong and Chung Sam Kei, with a trial period of 3 months.[7]
- After the trial period ended on 20 June, the then general manager of HYF stated that in order to facilitate villagers, the service would continue to be provided.[8]
- 6 November 1955: Stopovers at Tai Tan and Chek Keng were added and the stopover at Chung Sam Kei was cancelled.[9]
- 15 June 1956: Stopovers at Sham Chung and Ko Lau Wan were added on request from New Territories villagers, and at the same time no longer stopped over at Wu Kai Sha.[10]
- 22 March 1958: Walla-Walla Ma Liu Shui - Wu Kai Sha Route was launched.[11]
- 26 April 1962: The berthing location at Sham Chung was relocated to the pier with berthing facilities.
- 8 May 1967: The berthing location at Kau Lau Wan (former name of Ko Lau Wan) was relocated to the pier with berthing facilities.[12]
- 24 September 1970: The berthing location at Chek Keng was relocated to the pier with berthing facilities.
- 2 May 1983: The berthing location at Tai Po Kau Public Pier was relocated to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier following the closure of Tai Po Kau Station.
- 25 March 1985: The berthing location at Ma Liu Shui was relocated to the new Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier.[13]
Change in operator due to heavy losses[]
In November 1990, HYF cited low passenger numbers and increased costs on its Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun - Tung Ping Chau route as grounds for applying to the Transport Department to cease operations on New Year's Day 1991. At a meeting of the Tai Po District Council's Transport and Traffic Committee on the 12th of the same month, the department proposed that the route, which was operated under a licence, be rerouted via Sham Chung, Lai Chi Chong, Tai Tan, Chek Keng, and Ko Lau Wan villages, with two round trips on weekdays and three round trips on Saturdays and holidays. The fare would range from 5 to 10 HKD per trip on weekdays and 15 HKD per person on holidays, with no half-price tickets for children. However, Mr. Tang Kwong-wing, Chairman of the Sai Kung North Rural Committee, expressed opposition, citing concerns that licensed ferry operators may face opposition from villagers when applying for fare increases and could use suspension of services as a bargaining chip; The Ma Liu Shui to Tap Mun route passes through villages such as Sham Chung, Lai Chi Chong, and Ko Lau Wan, which have no roads and rely on waterways for external communication. If operated by HYF, it would be subject to the provisions of the franchised licence and unable to cease operations arbitrarily.[14]
Nevertheless, HYF persisted in applying to cease operations on these routes in April 1991 to reverse its losses.[15] The Transport Advisory Committee subsequently approved the suspension application in June, and the Sai Kung North Rural Committee convened a meeting on the 13th of the same month to discuss the aftermath of the suspension of these domestic routes. The then vice-chairman, who also serves as the representative of Tap Mun Village, stated that if HYF were to invest in building hotels in the Tap Mun or Tolo Harbour area, similar to its operations in Mui Wo on Lantau Island, to develop tourism, the ferry service between Ma Liu Shui and Tam Mun would at least not be suspended due to low passenger numbers.[16]
Upon learning of the suspension of this route, the Sai Kung North Rural Committee expressed dissatisfaction. Chairman Tang Kwong-wing stated at the village representatives' meeting on 19 July that, after compiling the opinions of all village representatives and residents, this decision would have a more significant impact on the livelihoods of villagers in the Tap Mun, Ko Lau Wan, and Wong Shek Pier areas. Therefore, all village representatives and residents must unite to oppose it. Therefore, the attendees formed the "Opposition Group Against the Suspension of HYF's Tolo Harbour Route" and planned to launch large-scale social actions, including a petition to the Governor's Office.[17]
The Governor and the Executive Council subsequently approved the suspension of four unprofitable routes on 31 July, one of which was the route between Ma Liu Shui and Tap Mun Island. Since the HYF had ceased operating the Tap Mun Island route and its vessels also provided weekend services to Tung Ping Chau, it simultaneously ceased its licensed ferry services to Tung Ping Chau, and the authorities would transfer both routes to another licensed operator.[18]
- 23 August 1991: The Transport Department publicly tendered the operating rights for two groups of three ferry routes and included this route and the Ma Liu Shui - Tung Ping Chau Route in the same group [19], to be replaced by licensed ferry services using small vessels.[19] The Transport Department subsequently considered the convenience of overseas compatriots returning home for the New Year and agreed to the request of the Sai Kung North Rural Committee to postpone the replacement of the ferry service with street ferries until March or April 1992.[20]
- 2 March 1992: Polly Ferry Company Limited took over this route and detours via Shap Sze Heung were cancelled.
- According to reports from Wah Kiu Yat Po, HYF ceased services on this route on 1 March and Polly Ferry took over the right to operate the next day.[21]
- Polly Ferry held and inauguration ceremony at Tap Mun Pier, with Tai Po District Officer and Chairman of Sai Kung North Rural Committee Tang Kwong-wing, Chairman of Tap Mun Village Office and Chairman of Tai Po District Traffic and Transport Committee presiding the ceremony with the chairman of Polly Ferry.[22]
- A new direct sailing at 12:00 from Tap Mun to Ma Liu Shui, as well as a circular sailing between Ma Liu Shui and Tap Mun at 14:00 were introduced.
- The route category was changed from "Outlying Islands Route" to "Kaito Route".
- The half-fare concession for children was cancelled.[23]
Second change in operator with worsening losses[]
At the time, Transport Department Director Robert Charles Law Footman stated on 16 February 2000 that the department was seeking organisations interested in taking over the route, but no specific timeline had been established.[24]
Meanwhile, the then Deputy Director of the Transport Department, Dorothy Chan Yuen Tak-fai, stated that following prior consultations between the Transport Department, the ferry company, and village representatives, it was agreed that the new ferry operator would adjust flight schedules and increase fares. The Transport Department permitted the fare increase due to the consideration that passenger numbers were relatively low on weekdays, making operations more challenging. Chan further committed to closely monitoring any initial flight-related issues.[25][26]
- 1 March 2000: Tsui Wah Ferry Service took over this route.[27][28]
- The full fare was increased;
- Changed to stop only at Sham Chung and Lai Chi Chong and no longer stopped at Wong Shek Pier;[29]
- 10 June 2000: New through services were introduced so that vessels continue on to Wong Shek Pier after arrival at Tap Mun.
- 20 April 2004: The berthing point at Ma Liu Shui was relocated to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier No.2 following the closure of Pier No.1 to facilitate reclamation works at Pak Shek Kok.[30]
Sailing timetable[]
- Seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis, passengers please wait for the next sailing when the current sailing is full.
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Remarks[]
- Service may be suspended when the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 or above is issued.
Fares[]
- Mondays to Fridays: $20.0
- Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: $30.0
| Fare remarks |
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Fleets[]
This route is operated by one vessel only, with Tsui Wah 1 (A3493, maximum capacity 146) operating on weekdays that have low ridership. Vessels with larger capacity may be deployed during Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Tsui Wah 18 (A5503) and Tsui Wah 32 (A5613) occasionally operate on this route.
Ridership[]
In the 1990s, the general manager of Polly Ferry stated that the daily operating expenses amounted to HKD 1,000, with an average of over 100 passengers on weekdays, primarily serving residents; however, on holidays, the number of passengers surged to as high as 600 to 700. Therefore, the revenue generated on holidays could offset the slight losses incurred on weekdays, while the revenue from weekdays could at most cover the expenses. Therefore, the company hoped to use the profits from holidays to offset the slight losses on weekdays. Tourists considered the existence of this route to be of great importance, so the company aimed to ensure profits, attract more passengers, and provide various services to the public through low-cost, flexible operations and enhanced holiday tourism services.[21][22]
Related incidents[]
- 9 to 10 June: In response to the landslide that occurred on 8 June at Pak Tam Au, Pak Tam Road near Pak Tam Au has been fully closed. To facilitate residents' access, the Transport Department has arranged emergency ferry services, with two departures from Ma Liu Shui to Wong Shek at 18:30 and 19:00 on 9 June, as well as two departures from Wong Shek to Ma Liu Shui at 06:45 and 07:15 and two departures from Ma Liu Shui to Wong Shek at 18:30 and 19:00 on 10 June. The Transport Department stated that it would extend the emergency ferry service hours based on the reopening schedule of Pak Tam Road.[31][32]
Gallery[]
Related articles[]
- Tsui Wah Ferry Service Tap Mun - Wong Shek Route
- Tsui Wah Ferry Service Ma Liu Shui - Tung Ping Chau Route
- Hop Shing Kung Ferry Service Ma Liu Shui - Wu Kai Sha Route (Cancelled)
Notes and References[]
- ↑ G.N. 5830: Ferry Services Ordinance (Cap. 104) Invitation for Application for "Kaito" Ferry Services, Government Gazette, Volume 24, Issue 41.
- ↑ "大埔塔門亦擬增闢航綫" (New Tai Po - Tap Mun ferry service also proposed), The Kung Sheung Daily News, 20 March 1954.
- ↑ "大埔至西貢北約小輪今春可開航 先試辦三個月然後決定" (Tai Po - Sai Kung North ferry service to launch this spring, initially 3-month trial before deciding), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 17 January 1955.
- ↑ The Kung Sheung Daily News and Wah Kiu Yat Po, 9 February 1955.
- ↑ "大埔坳至塔門綫 將派小輪行走" (Small vessels to be deployed on Tai Po Au to Tap Mun ferry route), The Kung Sheung Daily Evening News, 23 February 1955.
- ↑ "大埔塔門間將開闢航綫" (New ferry route between Tai Po and Tap Mun to be launched), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 12 February 1955.
- ↑ "大埔坳塔門線小輪 每天兩班廿日啟航 試辦三月可供旅客赴附近遊覽" (Tai Po - Tap Mun ferry service to launch on 20th with 2 sailings daily, 3-month trial to facilitate tourists travelling at nearby locations), Ta Kung Pao, 17 March 1955.
- ↑ "塔門小輪維持航行" (Tap Mun ferry service to remain), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 16 June 1955.
- ↑ "港外小輪調整時間 六日起照新時間表開行 每逢假期各線仍舊加開直航輪" (Timetable for outlying island ferries to be adjusted on 6th, direct sailings on each route enhanced during holidays), Ta Kung Pao, 2 November 1955.
- ↑ "塔門綫小輪 今日起停泊馬鞍山 加泊深涌及較流灣" (Tap Mun ferry service to additionally stop at Ma On Shan, Sham Chung and Kau Lau Wan), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 15 June 1956.
- ↑ Related post, Hong Kong Ferry Discussion Board.
- ↑ "改善西貢北約對外交通 兩座碼頭建成啟用 分建高流灣及黃石今舉行儀式 塔門小輪可直泊農產運輸便利" (Two new piers at Ko Lau Wan and Wong Shek completed to improve external traffic at Sai Kung North, facilitating berthing by Tap Mun ferries and agricultural transportation), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 8 May 1967.
- ↑ "馬料水小輪今泊新碼頭" (Ferries at Ma Liu Shui to berth at new pier), Ta Kung Pao, 25 May 1983.
- ↑ "馬料水至塔門東平洲線 小輪元旦起停辦由持牌渡輪取代 西貢北鄉會主席提反對" (Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun - Tung Ping Chau ferry route to be cancelled on 1 Jan and be replaced by licensed ferry; Sai Kung North Rural Committee chair opposed), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 13 November 1990.
- ↑ Template:NRC Published on Government File No. HKRS70-9-545.
- ↑ "交諮會批准馬料水塔門渡輪停辦 改由街渡取代服務 西貢北鄉會商善後指出關係數村交通 要求政府保証若街渡停辦須提供服務" (TAC approves cessation of Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun ferry service with kaito as replacement; Sai Kung North Rural Committee to demand guarantees for service that matters several villages), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 14 June 1991.
- ↑ "西貢北鄉會反對吐露港小輪停航 成立小組發起行動大會指出對各村民生影響大考慮請願" (Sai Kung North Rural Committee objected to cessation of Tolo Harbour ferry service, established group to point out effects on villagers' daily lives and considering petitions), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 20 July 1991.
- ↑ Government of Hong Kong, "行政局通過停辦四條虧蝕航線" (Executive Council approves the cancellation of 4 loss-making routes) [Press release], 31 July 1991.
- ↑ G.N. 3003, Hong Kong Government Gazette, Volume 133, Issue 35, 30 August 1991.
- ↑ "馬料水至塔門渡輪 推遲至明春始取消" (Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun ferry service cancellation delayed to spring next year), Wen Wei Po, 11 October 1991.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 "接辦吐露港航線 保利小輪昨啟航 來往馬料水塔門兼營東平洲假日線" (Polly Ferry launched yesterday taking over Tolo Harbour routes from Ma Liu Shui to Tap Mun and holiday ferries to Tung Ping Chau), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 3 March 1992.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 "虧蝕爲由油麻地小輪擬停辦 吐露港線終告復航 保利小輪獲經營權" (HYF ceased Tolo Harbour services due to losses, Polly Ferry won right to operate), Tai Po Star, 11 March 1992.
- ↑ "東平洲塔門渡輪下週一提高價票" (Fares for ferries to Tung Ping Chau and Tap Mun to be increased next Monday), Wah Kiu Yat Po, 29 February 1992.
- ↑ "保利小輪牌照月杪結束 運署物色機構接辦兩線" (Licence of Polly Ferry to end in a month, TD seeking organisations in taking over routes), Sing Pao, 17 February 2000.
- ↑ "司機衝燈過線改罰學車" (Penalty for driver who blew red lights changed to improvement courses), Sing Tao Daily, 1 March 2000.
- ↑ "新公司起接辦塔門至馬料水航綫" (New company to take over Tap Mun - Ma Liu Shui ferry route),Wen Wei Po, 1 March 2000.
- ↑ 昔日西貢半島及東坪洲航線回顧 (Review of historic ferry routes of Sai Kung Peninsula and Tung Ping Chau).
- ↑ "Ma Liu Shui ferry services", Government Press Releases, 29 February 2000.
- ↑ "來往馬料水塔門東平洲渡輪 翠華接辦票價加兩成" (Tsui Wah Ferry took over Ma Liu Shui - Tap Mun/Tung Ping Chau ferries with 20% fare increase), Sing Pao, 1 March 2000.
- ↑ Tsui Wah Ferry Service (H. K.) Ltd, "Relocation of Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier" (Latest news).
- ↑ "北潭路山泥傾瀉封閉 運輸署安排緊急渡輪服務" (TD arranged emergency ferry services in conjunction with closure of Pak Tam Road due to landslide), on.cc, 9 June 2022.
- ↑ "緊急渡輪 馬料水-黃石" (Emergency ferry service between Ma Liu Shui and Wong Shek), HKitalk.net thread, 9 June 2022.
External links[]
Template:Kaito routes