MTR fares increase by 3.09 percent effective today

The MTR fares have been raised by 3.09 percent starting Sunday, with over 80 percent of trips increasing by 40 HK cents or less. 

The fare rise that kicked in today means passengers traveling from Tsuen Wan to Central, for example, are expected to pay around 40 HK cents more to HK$15.70, from the current HK$15.30, while those traveling from Sheung Shui to Admiralty will pay 60 HK cents more to HK$22.10, from HK$21.50. 

Meanwhile, the railway operator said it is offering a complimentary ride for passengers who make ten trips on the rail network between July 1 and July 28. 

The offer is only available to adult passengers who have linked their Octopus cards to the MTR Mobile app. Rides on the Airport Express and Light Rail are not applicable. 

The increased fare came after the Census and Statistics Department released wage statistics, with the transport nominal wage index recording a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase in December last year. 

The increase has been set at 3.09 percent due to an "affordability cap" - under which the effective fare increase should not be higher than the year-on-year change in the median monthly household income for the fourth quarter of last year to ensure public affordability. 

The remaining 0.11 percent adjustment rate will be recouped in the subsequent two years - 0.06 percent in 2025-26 and 0.05 percent in 2026-27.