The ferry route between the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan resumed yesterday, and a representative of TurboJET said it would consider increasing the number of sailings.
The first sailing was yesterday morning from Sheung Wan at 8 a.m. and arrived in Macau at around 9 a.m. with 176 passengers on board.
The ferry route provides a total of about 10 round-trip sailings each day, with night sailings but no early morning sailings. Some passengers said that they hoped the early morning sailings would resume as soon as possible.
Macau Services Division Director of Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management (Macau) Limited Ng Sio In said that early morning sailings require more manpower, adding he expected that they may not resume in the near future.
Ng also said that the company’s staffing levels are currently lower than before the outbreak, but would gradually increase in response to demand as the sailings resume, adding that the company would consider to increase the sailing schedule for resuming normal frequencies after the Chinese New Year (CNY) peak.
A female Macau resident surnamed Cheong told reporters that her husband, who has a mobility issue and needs to use a cane, hoped that if the buses can be moved back to the original drop-off and pick-up area at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, it would be more convenient for the elderly, as passengers would not have to cross the road.
A couple of Hong Kong residents surnamed Lee said they were excited to catch the first ferry after three years since they last came to Macau, and that it was more convenient to enter Macau through the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal than through the Taipa Ferry Terminal or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge crossing.
Ng also said that those who wish to travel between Hong Kong and Macau during the Chinese New Year should purchase their return tickets as early as possible.
Hong Kong-bound passengers wait yesterday for the first sailing at the Macau Outer Habour Ferry Terminal. – Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
